Understanding the Global Trend of News Avoidance: Insights from Psychology
I’m a psychologist. Here’s why 40 per cent of the world avoids reading the news
The Independent
Image: The Independent
A significant portion of the global population, 40%, is avoiding news due to feelings of overwhelm and negativity. This trend, driven by our brain's negativity bias and the sheer volume of distressing information, highlights the need for more deliberate news consumption strategies to maintain mental well-being.
- 01According to the Reuters Institute's 2025 Digital News Report, 69% of Canadians and 40% globally avoid news, citing negative impacts on mood.
- 02The human brain's negativity bias leads to a stronger reaction to negative news, affecting mental health and daily functioning.
- 03A 2022 study found that 17% of American adults experience severe Problematic News Consumption (PNC), with a significant portion reporting negative health effects.
- 04For minority populations, news fatigue can be particularly harmful due to repeated exposure to negative news about their communities.
- 05Strategies such as limiting news consumption time and focusing on reliable sources can help mitigate news fatigue.
Advertisement
In-Article Ad
Recent conversations reveal a growing trend of news avoidance, with 40% of people globally reporting they often skip news due to feelings of being overwhelmed by negativity. This phenomenon, highlighted in the Reuters Institute's 2025 Digital News Report, is attributed to the brain's negativity bias, which predisposes individuals to focus on threats rather than positive information. The sheer volume of distressing news from around the world can lead to what researchers term Problematic News Consumption (PNC), affecting mental health and daily life. A study indicated that 17% of American adults exhibit severe PNC, with many feeling unwell due to constant exposure to negative news. This issue is particularly pronounced in minority communities, where the psychological toll can be greater. To combat news fatigue, experts suggest managing news consumption by limiting exposure, prioritizing in-depth reporting over sensationalized content, and recognizing the difference between information and actionable steps. By adopting a more deliberate approach to news consumption, individuals can navigate the overwhelming landscape of information more effectively.
Advertisement
In-Article Ad
The trend of news avoidance could lead to a less informed public, impacting democratic engagement and civic responsibility.
Advertisement
In-Article Ad
Reader Poll
How do you feel about your news consumption habits?
Connecting to poll...
Read the original article
Visit the source for the complete story.


