Summary of Issue
- Social Withdrawal: Constant news consumption can reduce time spent on meaningful social interactions and increase feelings of social isolation, disconnection and loneliness.
- Balanced Approach Needed: Setting boundaries and diversifying news sources can help manage stress.
- Mental Health Impact: Continuous exposure to 24-hour news cycles can lead to increased anxiety and stress.
Introduction
In our fast-paced world, the constant influx of news can feel overwhelming. While staying informed is important, the 24-hour news cycle can contribute to social isolation, disconnection, and loneliness. Understanding why this happens and exploring solutions can help mitigate its negative impact on our social lives.
Why this Barrier Exists
The 24-hour news cycle, characterized by its relentless coverage and sensationalist headlines, can lead to anxiety and stress. Continuous exposure to negative news can create a sense of despair and helplessness, which may cause individuals to withdraw from social interactions. Additionally, the habit of constantly checking news updates can reduce time spent on meaningful social connections.
Expert Insight
A study conducted by Dr. Matthew Price of the University of Vermont “followed 61 young adults for 30 days and asked them to assess how they were getting their pandemic-related news each day, along with documenting any symptoms of depression or posttraumatic stress disorder. Price and his colleagues found an association between the amount of exposure to news on social media and more depression and PTSD symptoms.” (Huff, 2022, APA).
Several factors contribute to this barrier:
- Overexposure to Negative News: Consistently hearing about crises and conflicts can heighten feelings of fear and anxiety.
- Information Overload: The sheer volume of information can be overwhelming, leading to mental fatigue.
- Distraction from Real-life Interactions: Frequent news consumption can distract individuals from engaging in meaningful connections with family, friends, neighbours, classmates or colleagues.
- Echo Chambers: Consuming news from biased sources can reinforce negative perceptions and polarize views, making social interactions more contentious.
Recommended Solutions
To reduce the negative impact of 24-hour news consumption, consider these strategies:
- Set Boundaries: Limit news consumption to specific times of the day and avoid checking the news right before bed.
- Diversify Sources: Seek out balanced news sources and avoid sensationalist media. This helps to get a more accurate picture of events.
- Make time to connect with others face-to-face: Allocate more time to activities that foster social connections, such as talking to strangers, engaging in hobbies, sports, or community events.
- Mindfulness Practices: Techniques like meditation and deep breathing can help manage anxiety and stress induced by constant news exposure.
- Discuss News with Others: Sharing thoughts and feelings about news stories with friends and family can provide emotional support and alternative perspectives.
By being mindful of our news consumption habits, we can create more time and space for human connection which will foster stronger, more meaningful connections with those around us.
Community Resources / Solutions
To help manage the impact of 24-hour news consumption, various organizations and groups across Canada provide support and opportunities to help people strengthen their social connections and improve their social health.
- GenWell
- Description: Is Canada’s Human Connection Movement and is working to educate, empower and catalyze Canadians around the importance of their social health.
- How it Helps: They provide tips, tools, resources and campaigns that can inspire social connection for all Canadians
- Contact Information: Visit website at www.GenWell.ca for more information.
- 211 Canada
- Description: A free, confidential service that connects people to local community and social services across Canada.
- How it Helps: Provides information on community programs and services that can help individuals stay connected and supported.
- Contact Information: Phone or Text: 2-1-1
- Friendship Centres
- Description: Provide culturally appropriate services for Indigenous people living in urban areas.
- How it Helps: Offers community events, cultural programs, and social services to foster community connection and support.
- Contact Information: Visit website for specific contact details of local Friendship Centres.
- Big Brothers Big Sisters of Canada
- Description: Provides mentorship programs to help children and youth achieve their potential.
- How it Helps: Offers opportunities for volunteering and building meaningful connections through mentorship.
- Contact Information: Email: info@bigbrothersbigsisters.ca
- Volunteer Canada
- Description: Connects individuals with volunteer opportunities across Canada, fostering community engagement.
- How it Helps: Provides opportunities to meet new people and build social connections through volunteering.
- Contact Information: Email: info@volunteer.ca
Further Reading
- Mental Health Commission of Canada: Psychology-backed advice on how to approach news consumption in a way that will protect mental wellbeing. Initially written as a response to COVID-19 panic, it remains insightful.
- Psychology Today: Discussion on how to mitigate the anxiety brought on by excessive news consumption.
- GoodRx: Discussion on the negative effects of excessive news consumption.
- American Psychological Association: Overview of current research into the mental health effects of media overload.