Exposure to an overload of negative news content affects individuals daily. As of February 2024, 48% of voting adults use social media as a news outlet, according to statistica.com. With the 2024 Presidential Race in full swing, people across the United States (US) are experiencing an increase in negative news stories which can lead to emotional distress, according to apa.org.
Ever since the COVID-19 pandemic, the news cycle has become more negative, according to pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov. Dr. Bruce Sacerdote, a professor of economics at Dartmouth College, conducted a study in 2020 which revealed that 87% of US media coverage during the COVID-19 pandemic was negative news, according to The New York Times. During 2020, news channels collectively output negative news content as they capitalized on the fear and anxiety experienced by US citizens, according to globalizatinandhealth.biomedcentral.com.
The news is an essential way to stay informed about current events, according to idsnews.com. Mr. Joseph Valentine, Upper School History Teacher, reflected on how news sources tend to focus on negative aspects of stories and events.
“Sadly, much of the news focuses on the negative and tragic events, as that is what seems to draw more attention and viewership,” Mr. Valentine said. “I think it is important for us to always seek the good, not just in the news […] If we can still find the positive stories filled with joy in our day to day world, it helps to balance out when we hear or read the negative news in our world. It is important that we as individuals try to find the truth behind every news story and use our own minds to think critically.”
There is also concern for media consumers’ mental health. Reading, hearing, or watching the news for long periods of time can have lasting effects on consumers, according to moderndiplomacy. However, realizing where to set boundaries when watching the news is essential for staying productively informed, according to newsinhealth.nih.gov. Healthy habits include setting up a time limit on social media and determining outlets that balance both the positive and negative news, according to columbiadoctors.org.
Ms. Margaret Brennan ‘98, correspondent for Columbia Broadcasting System (CBS) news’ network, spoke to Upper School students about the importance of news and the dangers of misinformation. She stated that information is the currency of democracy. Ms. Brennan discussed the role of the news, and how to decipher what is reliable. Alexandra Hopley ’25, co-chair of the Digital Wellness Student Task Force, reflected on Ms. Brennan’s words and shared her thoughts on how to not let the news affect mental health.
“I would say take action,” Alexandra said. “It’s easy to feel down about the world when reading negative news, but there is always a way you can help out in your community and combat the issue. Whether that be volunteering your time, donating to a worthy cause, or even just help educate other people on the issue, it makes me feel a lot better when I know that I’m doing my part instead of just mindlessly watching the news play out.”
Featured Image by Claire McMonagle ’27
