Negative News

With the world we live in today, we are surrounded by negative news all the time. Not only is this not good for us but could actually psychologically affect us. While being informed is important, everyday news stations report on new terrorist attacks, tragic car accidents, and school shootings.

Not only does the news generate negative news 24/7, but so does social media. Social media makes it easy to be surrounded by negativity. Though we all understand that what is reported is what happens in the world, having all this negativity buzzing around causes stress and can influence the way you interact with the world.

The influence of negative news, according to Psychology Today, “not only are negatively balanced news broadcasts likely to make you sadder and more anxious, they are also likely to exacerbate your own personal worries and anxieties.” The focus on negativity can drive people to perceive false realities where their viewing intensifies other fears. People could only see so many horrible acts on television before they become numb. These acts of violence blend together into the next trending topic for a minimum of 24 hours. Constantly watching can also cause negative effects on the body and the mind such as PTSD, anxiety, and depression.

Much like everything in the world the news must be taken in moderation. Being aware of what affects you and how it affects you will, watching the news and mental health go hand and hand. There must always be a balance.