It is possible that you don’t want to pay much attention to the news because of all the events happening around the globe. With 24-hour news cycles that report on horrific atrocities almost every hour, it can seem as if the news is never ending. This combined with everyday challenges and our busy lives can make news consumption low on your priority list. I get it! It’s important to be informed about major events around the world and current situations in the United States, regardless of how disturbing the news may be. Now, that’s not to say that news awareness shouldn’t come with some boundaries because the news, especially as of late, can be heavy. However, it’s possible to preserve our mental and emotional health while staying aware and engaged. Avoiding news burnout is as simple as being patient, getting small amounts of exposure, and balancing good and bad. Here are some tips to avoid news fatigue while staying on top of the news.
Your preferred news consumption style
Like fashion and home decor, your way you consume news is unique to you. For those of us with demanding work schedules, sitting around watching news broadcasts all day simply isn’t feasible. It might not be realistic for moms who spend more time at home doing chores like dropping off their kids at school, running errands, and attending sports practices to scroll through news posts on social networks. It’s easier to make news consumption part of your day-to-day when it actually fits into your day-to-day.
Do you prefer short snippets of information or more detailed insights? Do you prefer photos, videos, or traditional print? Do you have a favorite reporter or a time of day that suits your schedule best? It seems like there is always something that pulls us in different directions. So spending your time with news in ways that fit your life will feel less of a pull. Take a look at the format, time, platform, news stories, and location that work best for your needs. There aren’t any rules with news consumption, so feel free to do what works for your life! This is the beginning of a closer relationship to news and being more aware of it.
Incorporate news into your social networks
No matter how busy you are or how much you have to do, social media can be an almost guaranteed way to stay up-to-date on the world’s news events. If there’s one thing you look at on a daily basis, it’s your social media feeds. Whether it’s first thing in the morning or in the evening when the day’s chaos has subsided, I’m willing to bet that you check social media at least once every day. Personally, I try to be very intentional with social media. I have curated my Instagram & Twitter feeds to inspire me and provide entertainment throughout the day. I try to be the same when I follow news outlets via social media.
Watching long TV segments or reading lengthy articles isn’t my news consumption style, so quick posts with pertinent info work better for me. NPR’s end-of day roundup shares the top news stories of the day and provides high-level details. It’s perfect because it gives just enough to know what’s going on, and if I want to look further into a particular story, the posts provide the foundation for me to find and follow more in-depth coverage. If you don’t already, try following one or two of your favorite, trusted news outlets so that as you’re scrolling during the day, you’re also getting nuggets of news info. If you want to be extra informed, consider setting up post notifications for those outlets so that you see news almost immediately as it’s happening!
Create a news and current events support team
So it’s like a book club but for news. Sometimes the hardest part of staying engaged with news is the emotions that accompany it. Consider reaching out to a friend or two who you trust to share your thoughts and feelings with after you’ve consumed thought-provoking or emotional news. You can all support each other and help each other through difficult news events. Your friends are there to help you vent and have meaningful conversations if you feel overwhelmed by everything. Hopefully, they’ll be a resource to lean on when it all becomes a bit too much to process on your own. Knowing that you have reliable, respectful support from others makes almost all of life’s hurdles a little more manageable, and having support when it comes to news and current events is no different.
Daily news time
How many times have you told yourself or others that you don’t have time to watch or read the news? Like the saying goes, people make time for what’s important to them, so it’s not that you don’t have time, it’s that news isn’t one of your priorities—and that’s OK! If you’re making a more concerted effort to prioritize news, setting aside time each day (or week or month—who’s counting?) A significant difference will be made if you have more time to spend with the news. Routines are hot right now. Have you ever thought of creating a news schedule? I always loved movies and shows that showed the newspaper being delivered to people’s doors and the family members would read the paper and discuss the news over breakfast. How intellectually sophisticated! Even though we might not be able get physical newspapers anymore – dedicating time and space for the news will make us more likely to actually consume it. Balance is key. Set a timer for 15 minutes to read the most difficult stories and then set another timer for 15 minutes to read a positive story or view an inspirational video. It will become less of a chore once news consumption is part of your daily routine.
Engage, but don’t argue
Reacting to news is part of the news consumption process. These reactions can trigger a variety of emotions, including anger, disgust and joy. Everyone has their own opinions, and some people are more comfortable sharing them than others. These opinions, backed with intense emotions, can quickly lead to “right vs. wrong” or “you vs. me” interactions that lack respect and understanding for others. Remember that no other person in the world has experienced everything you have in the way you’ve experienced them. We’re all unique in that way, and despite seeming like a divider, our variety of experiences actually unifies us. Words have meaning, and we have to be careful not to invalidate people’s realities with our words, even if they are strangers on the internet who we’ll never meet in person. Allow others to challenge and disagree with you. Accept that others may think and believe differently than you. Let your ideas flow and remember that ideas are infinite and unlimited. Social media debates are NotFun is what I mean, you can trust me. News consumption is easier if there is less interpersonal conflict and more respect for others.
Final Thoughts
News awareness is more than just being able to read or watch news stories. Although it’s nice to be knowledgeable at happy hours or to make small talk during Zoom meetings, news is based on real-life experiences. Being more informed about the news can help you be more well-rounded and more aware of other people’s situations. News provides perspective, hence why it’s called “awareness.” My first job out of college required that we stay up-to-date on current events and news developments. The interview process requires that all applicants pass a current event test before they will hire new associates. This was my first experience with news awareness. It completely changed my view of news. It’s easy to get caught in our personal bubbles of family, work or school, and social life and dating; news awareness helps us remember that there’s life beyond our bubbles. It is not easy to become news aware. But it can be fun. The first step in becoming news aware is getting started. The second step is to do it your own way, and the final step is to be consistent. The rest will take care of themselves!
Source: The Every Girl