How to Stay Informed, Not Overwhelmed

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We live in an age where there is a breaking news story every 60 seconds.  Every day, 24 hours a day, the media lures you in with headlines that create fear, anxiety, and astonishment. I too, blamed the media for a while, but then I realized that I was the one watching it. I was the one who scrolled through my Facebook feed just because I was bored. I was the one who constantly checked the app on my phone to see what our president had recently done or not done. I was the one who needed to check my own news media consumption habits. I wanted to stay informed, not overwhelmed.

Can We Blame the Media?

As Hans Rosling writes in the book Factfulness, “I cannot see even the highest quality news outlets conveying a neutral and nondramatic representative picture of the world, as statistic agencies do. It would be correct, but just too boring. We should not expect the media to move very far in that direction. Instead it is up to us as consumers to learn how to consume the news more factfully, and to realize that the news is not very useful for understanding the world” (253). In other words, the media will continue to dramatize events, and we as consumers need to think critically about the content that is being provided. We can do this by cutting down how much media we consume, varying our sources, identifying the ever-present bias, thinking critically ourselves and then asking questions, a lot of questions. In essence, maintaining the balance of staying informed, but not overwhelmed.

Another idea to consider is that the news media is a form of entertainment. Here’s an analogy, sports news anchors watch a football game and then discuss what they think the players were thinking after the game. We’ll never actually know what the players were thinking, but discussing it brings it back to life and keeps people watching. Essentially I think that’s what media corporations do with politics. We get all sorts of talking heads on any news channel discussing what they think the president was thinking. That’s not really news. That’s just a discussion of what just happened, and it’s a form of entertainment. It keeps the audience guessing. Sadly, it’s not football. Sadly, it’s not a movie. We are being entertained, gripped and consumed with reality T.V. on CNN, FOX, and MSNBC.

News May Never Be Boring

When I was in Finland a few years ago, it was mentioned by my Finnish family that people don’t really talk about politics in Finland because it’s boring. Aha! You’re right, discussing the intricate details of a law, how many constituents it would serve, filibustering, and compromising on tiny minute details isn’t entertainment. It doesn’t leave us at the edge of our seats wondering “Will Nancy Pelosi continue talking?” (sarcasm). That type of information isn’t as gripping, and so people don’t watch it. Could you imagine a front page headline like “In the last 20 years world poverty rates have dropped?” Or “Women continue to seek education!” That doesn’t necessary excite fear, or astonishment, and in fact it’s great news, but that doesn’t mean people will read or listen to it.

In contrast, As William Wordsworth once wrote “the human mind is capable of being excited without the application of gross and violent stimulants.” The news media is this way because violent fear inducing acts are what people tune into, but we are capable of being interested without violence, fear, or pain. The news media isn’t necessarily going to change, but you personally can choose to stay informed, not overwhelmed.

Focus News Media Consumption

If there is one thing I realized from a news media detox, it was that I was happier. It’s hard for me to watch the news and not feel something, but as Rosling explains the media is made to excite, whether in sadness, fear, or anger.  However, you can’t just shut out the entire world and remain uninformed, that is to remain ignorant. Here’s my solution that has dropped my news consumption down tremendously, saved me time, helped me stay informed, and ultimately made me happier.

How to Stay Informed Procedure

My solution was really simple, and I’m surprised it took me this long to figure it out. I simply ask the most knowledgeable person I know on world happenings. This said person happens to be my older brother. If you personally know my older brother Aaron, you’d be aware of his vast knowledge, but also his worldly experiences with military, history and travel.

I sought him out, because I still want to stay informed, but I simply don’t have time to scour various news sources weekly to evaluate the most important. I know my faults. I get sucked in with my emotions. Aaron does not. He most definitely is not persuaded with a religion or political party, and happens to reside outside of the U.S. , with a more level-headed worldly view. He knows and practices how to stay informed daily.

1. Ask expert “what’s happening in the world?”
2. Expert gives a couple recent events to pay attention to.
3. Read a couple articles on the prioritized event.
4. Ask expert any follow up questions and for opinion (if wanted).
5. Sign out of all news sources. The entire process probably takes about 30 minutes twice a month.

I realize not everyone has an expert to help them prioritize top news stories, but perhaps you have someone in your life that enjoys staying informed, or understands history and current events better than yourself. I can think of a few other people in my life that fit this description as well. Ask this person. Most people like to share their own knowledge with others.

7 Tips for How to Stay Informed, Not Overwhelmed

If there is simply no one else in your life with this skill set then here are a few tips to stay informed, but not overwhelmed with your news media consumption.

1.Create Boundaries

Avoid watching or getting updates from news media during the morning. Instead consume news media in the evenings or on weekends. News media also includes comedy shows based on the news like the Daily Show. 

2.Pick the Topic 

This is easier said than done, but if you already know the topic you want to learn about then you can narrow down your focus, learn about it, and sign out, saving you time.

3.Vary News Sources 

Read several different articles on the same topic. This routine helps to avoid bias.
Expert Tip: This means reading all across the liberal and conservative spectrum of news sources and different countries. Here are some news sources to stay informed from different countries: DW News, France 24, Al Jazeera, and BBC News

4.Unfollow 

Unfollow all politicians and news sources on social medial. This will make it less likely to be accidentally persuaded, or distracted by alarming news headlines.
Expert Tip: Alternatively, during an election follow all candidates or both major candidates instead of selecting one or the other. 

5.Skim and Scan Your Local Newspaper

It’s important to remain informed on local news as you will be able to make more of an impact on local government and events..

6.Do Not Watch Nightly News 

Unless your purpose is to be entertained, avoid watching the nightly news. Nightly news is prioritized based on provocative headlines. Prioritize the news you consume based on topics you want to be informed on.

7.Be Aware of Your Emotions

If a news article strikes an emotion, get a second opinion or check another source. Anytime emotions are involved it’s bound to be more persuasive. Furthermore, if a news article is persuasive, it’s obviously bias. When I recognize an emotion, it’s a signal to be vigilant about getting the facts, as I’m already engaged in one-sided thinking.
Disclaimer: It seems that whenever I read the news these days, an emotion is involved. Don’t stop feeling, just be aware of it.

Are you Consuming Media to Stay Informed?

I think it’s natural to seek out news sources that agree with your own personal opinions. Facebook has only made that more prevalent as the term “echo chamber” has been used to describe your own opinions being thrown back at you. This begins to affect how you view the world, and only strengthens your previous opinions.

So, what is your motive in watching or reading the news? Is it to stay informed, and think independently? Then, you must be vigilant and actively seek out counterclaims, and opposite opinions. If you only watch MSNBC, or get the news from your Facebook feed, then you are routinely reinforcing your own viewpoints. If this is a habit you realized, but don’t want to stop, then perhaps you are actually consuming media to reinforce your own opinions, not stay informed? It feels good to read an article that you completely agree with, but do you grow and learn?

When I took a month long detox from social media and news media, I was happier, less stressed, and probably more engaged in the present moment. It was blissful, as they say ignorance can be.  I also became aware of the effect news media had on my day to day. Just by hitting “reset” on how I consume has given me awareness to consume responsibly, independently, with the motive to learn and stay informed. I’m not perfect. I’m still trying to see opposite viewpoints, giving the news media less of my attention, and I wish the same for you.

P.S. If you don’t have the time to check out the book Rosling wrote, check out his Ted Talks!

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Join the Discussion

How have you set boundaries on your news media consumption?

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Author

Maria Halcumb is a teacher, reading specialist, and mother. You can find her reading books, being in nature, minimizing her life, and spending time with family and friends in the great PNW. If you want to learn more about Maria, check out the About page.

Sources:

Rosling, Hans. Rosling, Ola Roennlund, Anne Rosling. Facfulness. Sceptre, 2018