Over the past two years, we have witnessed a number of serious events in the world. From the corona pandemic to the war in Ukraine. Many of us react negatively to reading bad news. A feeling of powerlessness creeps in. For some, the consequences can be even worse, new research shows. People who are more or less dependent on updating themselves on what is happening in the world at any given time have it worst, according to researchers. So-called “news junkies” are more prone to feeling anxiety and stress. In addition, they have poorer physical health, says a new study. – Witnessing these events unfolding in the news can lead to a constant state of high alert in some. Researcher Bryan McLaughlin says so. He is an associate professor at Texas Tech University in the USA. Because of bad news, the world can be experienced as a dark and dangerous place, explains the researcher. Going beyond health and family To study this phenomenon, known as news addiction, the researchers analyzed data from an online survey. 1,100 US adults participated. In the survey, they were asked to what extent they agreed with certain statements. Among other things: “I get so caught up in the news that I forget the world around me” “I find it difficult to stop reading or watching the news” “I often don’t follow at school or work because I read or watch the news” I in addition, the participants were asked questions related to their own feelings and whether they felt stressed, had anxiety, as well as physical complaints such as fatigue, pain and stomach problems. For some, the results were very serious. 16.5 per cent of those questioned stated that they were so negatively affected by news that it affected both their health and family life. 73.6 per cent of the addicts reported experiencing poor mental health. 61 percent also thought they experienced physical pain. Only 6.1 percent of people in the study with a normal relationship to news reported similar pain. How many times do you check the news in a day? Three times or less Between 5-10 times More than ten times a day Show result What does the psychologist say? Today, we have the opportunity to check the news at any time. Ole Jacob Madsen is a psychologist and philosopher, as well as a professor at the University of Oslo. He says it can sometimes be too much for some people. – For most people it’s probably going well, but during the corona pandemic terms like doomscrolling and doom-surfing became particularly relevant. – On the one hand, there was obviously a need in the population to keep up to date on the situation. On the other hand, many found this to be somewhat exhausting, which in turn made them feel overwhelmed or depressed. Ole Jacob Madsen believes that the problem can also be reversed: that people who are mentally and physically unwell initially stay inside more, and thus absorb more news. Photo: Tor Stenersen He also believes that underlying variables can play a role for some. – People who have a high degree of neuroticism are perhaps more likely to experience more psychological problems, while they may also develop a dysfunctional relationship with news. Where they feel they have to watch at all times for potential dangers. The psychologist believes that most people should strive for a balance. That it is important to keep up to date, but that you should also try to protect yourself at times. Madsen has some tips: – You can make a conscious choice not to take your mobile phone into the bedroom when you go to bed. Or turn off push notifications on your smartphone. You can also introduce a rule where you are only allowed to check the online newspapers at certain times, he says to news. Good measures are important According to Bryan McLaughlin, the findings from the new study show that there is a need for measures. He believes that focused campaigns can lead to people having a better relationship with news. – Even if you want people to get involved, it is important to have a healthier approach than many have. The researchers also say that more research is needed on the topic to substantiate the results, but that the findings indicate that problematic consumption can lead to both psychological and physical disorders. In addition, the study also points to the need for a broader discussion about how the news industry can contribute.
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Addicted to checking the news at all times? Can affect both mental and physical health – news Trøndelag
