On the couch with Jasminda

DEAR Jasminda,

Every time I look at the news there is a new tragedy unfolding or a new source of conflict.

It’s actually getting to me. I feel that I’m in a constant state of worry wondering what will happen next.

Do you have any ideas on how I can address this?

Leonie B.

Dear Leonie,

This is a common problem but that certainly doesn’t diminish how you are feeling.

There was a time when news was confined to a newspaper or perhaps the six ‘o’clock news, but now, with a 24-hour news cycle, it can feel overwhelming.

We are constantly bombarded by stories that are deliberately written in a way that seeks attention.

Just like a child throwing a tantrum, it often doesn’t matter if that attention is positive or negative, as long as people take notice.

Conflict is one of the main news values journalists are taught will make a successful news story.

Humans are also drawn to conflict as a form of engagement and entertainment.

This isn’t something new (read any Shakespearian text, or, if you’re so inclined, The Bible for any number of examples). Today, we revel in conflict in many areas such as sporting activities, movies and books, reality TV shows, and politics.

Conflict has reached a high point (or perhaps ‘low point’ is a better description) on social media.

Any situation becomes a heightened form of antagonism, with trolling by armchair warriors or people using fake accounts to create toxic and unsafe environments for people who may not have the emotional capacity or life experience to deal with them.

Leonie, I’m possibly not telling you anything you don’t know, but it’s important to offer some context, because if you know why something draws you in, you can counter it.
Here are some ways to do that:

1. Give yourself a time limit. You can still stay informed without doom scrolling for hours.

2. If you go to your favourite media app to read about emissions targets and instead become consumed by public comments around a violent protest, then you’re being controlled by your media, not the other way around.

Social media is designed to keep people distracted and constantly scrolling.

If you’re veering away from your intended content, make a conscious decision to put your phone down or block/mute content that is causing distress.

3. What do you really want to give attention to in your spare time? If your interests are pets or photography or hiking, there are hundreds of sources of information and entertainment that focus on those interests.

Again, put yourself in control.

4. Social media is an addiction. Developers and content creators who make money from it know exactly what they are doing and they do it very well. If you are using social media as a distraction (perhaps while waiting for a bus, a weekend with no plans, having a work break, or while eating lunch), replace it with something healthier (a good book, a new hobby, taking your pet for a walk, going for a swim, having coffee with a friend).

If you’re reading for information, a headline summary from a reputable news source may be more useful than content from influencers with no training, no ethical guidelines, and no fact checkers.

5. Read a local paper or publication. Community news often provides a balance with good news stories involving people or places that are important to you.

These ideas don’t mean you have to be ignorant; instead, they may help to create a better environment for you while you’re navigating your state of constant worry.

Carpe diem,
Jasminda.