I've been grappling with the challenge of consuming too much news. How do you avoid the never-ending scroll of doom when we're witnessing significant world historical events unfold? How can you manage to read low-stakes books (e.g. fiction), engage in casual conversations, or fully immerse yourself in your work, all the while major events are taking place? It's challenging. Staying informed about current events has never been easier. And there's minimal friction in raising your figurative periscope to get a glimpse of the world.
That being said, I recognize the crucial reasons behind the need to limit your news intake. One significant concern is the negative news bias. Most news agencies tend to emphasize negative news, and given the vastness of our planet and the complexity of our society, there's a perpetual supply of such content. So, if you consume a lot of news, you're likely to be inundated with a barrage of negativity, which can significantly impact your mental well-being.
Another issue to consider is the increased risk of encountering biased or slanted news when you actively seek out information. In the age of an endless information flow, much like a buffet, you might find yourself naturally gravitating towards news that confirms your existing biases. By analogy, selecting a healthy dish from a limited restaurant menu is easier than resisting fried food and sweets at a sprawling buffet. The same principle applies to news consumption: when you broaden your news sources, you're more likely to construct an echo chamber for yourself. Of course, it's crucial to begin with reliable news sources, but that's becoming increasingly challenging in today's landscape.
Personally, I've turned to magazine news and long-form journalism as my solution. I won't specify particular titles I read because no matter what I mention, there will always be critics. However, I want to defend the merits of weekly or bi-weekly news magazines. Their slower pace forces you to take a step back, encouraging more deliberate thinking. Their longer-form articles demand sustained attention and potentially foster thoughtfulness.