Naomi Tsuang
Editor-in-Chief
With news feeds cluttered with articles on the government shutdown, mass shootings and environmental disasters, it can be difficult to read the news. While keeping up with current events is crucial to being an informed citizen, it is also vital to take a step back.
According to a 2018 survey conducted by the American Psychological Association, two-thirds of Americans are worried about the future of the United States and more than half say that the current political climate is a source of anxiety for them. The study also found that young people ages 15 to 21 are more negatively affected by the news than adults. Three-quarters of those surveyed say they are significantly stressed by the frequency of mass shootings in this country, and a majority have concerns surrounding sexual harassment. Data also suggests that young people have more of a need for therapy and other psychological treatments than previous generations.
With these statistics in mind, I have recently asked myself: how much news is too much news? At what point does the stress of these worrisome events outweigh being an informed individual? With news accessible on every platform from newspapers to social media, there is more pressure than ever to keep up with the endless news cycle.
Although it can be frightening to read about issues beyond our control, we must keep in mind that there is more to the world than the bad news that dominates our feed on a daily basis. We must maintain a balance of staying on top of issues without feeling overwhelmed.
As we look to 2019 as a year of change, activism and progress, we should strive to be mindful of the news that we consume, keeping informed while staying optimistic.
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