In an age of information, where headlines scream with crises, catastrophes, and conflicts, it is becoming increasingly challenging to escape the gloomy clutches of negative news. The constant deluge of pessimism has given rise to a prevailing sense of ennui, a weariness that infiltrates our lives, affecting our mental well-being and societal perspective. The latest survey from the Reuters Institute reveals that 38 percent of U.S. respondents admit to sometimes or frequently avoiding news, with the avoidance rate higher at 41 percent among women. As New York City grapples with flash floods, immigrant homelessness, and Baruch College, my alma mater, remains closed for an entire week due to a malware attack, one can’t help but question, maybe things are as bad as they seem?

The repercussions of the “ennui epidemic” extend beyond individual psychology, it influences society as a whole. It fosters a culture of fear and anxiety while creating a polarizing division. When individuals are inundated with stories of violence, corruption, and crises, it’s only natural for them to grow more fearful and distrustful of the world around them. This corrosion of trust in media and institutions can yield far-reaching consequences, from undermining civic engagement to exacerbating social polarization.

Imagine waking up, reaching for your phone, and being punched in the face by headlines that loudly declare a natural disaster, another violent conflict, or a political scandal. In today’s world, this scenario is far from uncommon, it’s expected. News outlets, digital or print, thrive on negativity. The negative news dominates the headlines, be it crime data reports, political turmoil, or tales of environmental degradation.

This unrelenting exposure to negative news significantly impacts individuals’ mental well-being. It stokes the fires of anxiety, intensifies already growing stress levels, and nurtures a prevailing sense of pessimism. Doctor Steven Stonsy coined the term “headline stress disorder” to describe the anxiety and discomfort stemming from excessive negative news consumption. It’s little wonder why pharisaical advertisements for the latest depression and anxiety drugs dominate commercial breaks while many individuals are grappling with an increasing sense of exhaustion and despondency.

“We are evolutionarily wired to screen for and anticipate danger, which is why keeping our fingers on the pulse of bad news may trick us into feeling more prepared,” suggests Cecille Ahrens, clinical director of Transcend Therapy in San Diego, California. This negative spiral, lately referred to as “doomscrolling,” can exact a toll on mental health. Research has linked the consumption of bad news to heightened distress, anxiety, and depression, even when the news appears relatively mundane. Graham Davey, professor emeritus of psychology at the University of Sussex, asserts that exposure to bad news can exacerbate personal concerns and even lead to “acute stress reactions and some symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder that can be quite long-lasting.”

The media plays a pivotal role in shaping the landscape of news content. News outlets often prioritize sensational and adverse stories due to their proven ability to attract larger audiences. In the fiercely competitive realm of media, dad news sells best, right? A devastating plane crash, a terrorist attack, or a major political scandal is far more likely to seize our attention than a heartwarming human-interest piece. Moreover, the relentless 24/7 news cycle and the pursuit of higher ratings have resulted in a continuous stream of negative information.

Maybe the surge in bad news can be partially attributed to the peak of the pandemic. A study conducted in the spring of 2020, surveying 2,251 adults, found a direct correlation between the frequency of seeking COVID-19 information across various media platforms — television, newspapers, and social media — and the likelihood of reporting emotional distress.

So, what measures can we take to safeguard our mental well-being? The benefits of moderating news exposure were evident in a study conducted early in the pandemic, during Spain’s lockdown. The research revealed that two-thirds of the 5,545 Spanish adults surveyed reported anxiety or depressive symptoms. However, those who limited their exposure to COVID-19 news, focused on maintaining a healthy lifestyle, pursued hobbies and spent more time outdoors, tended to experience less stress.

The key to addressing the “ennui epidemic” lies in advocating for balanced reporting. Media outlets bear the responsibility of diversifying their content to provide a more nuanced view of the world. While negative stories are vital for shedding light on societal issues, they must be counterbalanced with narratives offering solutions, progress, and hope. Constructive journalism, which prioritizes solutions-oriented reporting, holds promise in delivering a more balanced and less anxiety-inducing news experience.

News consumers also have a crucial role to play in navigating this information landscape. Individuals hold the power to  curate their news consumption and limit exposure to negative news. Seeking out sources that offer a more balanced perspective and narratives of progress and resilience can help alleviate the psychological toll of perpetual pessimism. Additionally, cultivating media literacy and critical thinking skills is essential for distinguishing credible news from sensationalism.

The “ennui epidemic” is a tangible and pressing issue in our interconnected world. The constant inundation of negative news takes a toll on our mental health and our collective outlook on society. However, by recognizing the media’s role in shaping news content and by assuming personal responsibility for our news consumption, we can begin to address this phenomenon. It is imperative for media outlets to prioritize balanced reporting that encompasses both the challenges and the solutions we face. In doing so, we can strive towards a more informed, optimistic, and resilient society. The journey to combat the “ennui epidemic” commences with a shift in how we consume and deliver the news.