Beat the news cycle burnout

Zeinab Agbaria | The Washtenaw Voice

Sasha Hatinger | Staff Writer 

News is available to be consumed in a diverse selection of ways today and the information reported on can vary greatly. It’s understandable to feel overwhelmed. There are approaches to manage that and to have healthy habits around news consumption. 

News is everywhere. On television, radio, social media, online and apps on our phones–there is no escaping being immediately updated with some form of news between the many mediums it is produced on. 

Is staying on top of current events important?

Instructor of drama and film at Washtenaw Community College, Hope Bernard answered just that.

“It’s important, it’s not critical,” Bernard said.

Overconsumption is real. That applies to news consumption as well. Submerging oneself into watching, reading and listening only to the news can be an excessive burden. 

Allison Fournier, professional faculty of communication, confirmed that too much news intake can be unhealthy.

Fournier said the current news cycle can be stressful for several reasons, including overconsumption and “doom scrolling. “

How to protect your mental health while consuming the current news cycle

Just like any activity, news consumption is something that should be limited to what is comfortable for an individual, without overconsumption. Checking sources for credibility as far as where news is coming from is also a crucial aspect, according to Fournier. 

Understanding the truth behind the current news cycle and the media’s “agenda” will help comprehend how it impacts viewers’ mental health.  

The urgency behind the current news cycle plays on viewers’ “fight or flight” instincts and exploits viewers to feel a sense of imperativeness to act immediately, according to Benard.

Mental health protection with news consumption

Karolyn Lehn, personal counselor at WCC and member of the “CARE team,” a group on campus who help students by providing care ranging from mental health issues to home instability, suggests becoming involved at the local level. 

“If there is an issue that is important, get involved. Activism is a huge way to be tied to a political issue that is important to somebody, without always watching the news and being immersed that way,” Lehn said.

Turn off notifications–decide on a certain time of the day to dedicate to watching, listening or reading the news and avoid streaming all day, Bernard said.

Bernard also suggests having in-person discussions with trusted support about the news to gain new perspectives and to process what is going on in the world today.

If streaming the news causes the heart rate to increase, Lehn suggests remaining mindful of one’s breathing and to try to refocus energy elsewhere by practicing grounding techniques.

Myron Covington II, instructor of communication, believes it is very important for viewers to stay current with the news, focusing on what is agreed and disagreed with to help gain a holistic approach.  

Chanel Stitt, part-time journalism instructor at WCC, suggests having three trusted news sources and to track them.

Stitt also suggests turning off, pausing or muting the news streaming source once a topic matter comes up that is not cared for.

“Engage critically, not emotionally,” Covington II said. 

In not having a strong emotional response, viewers have more control and power over how news will impact their mental health.

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