The article highlights the importance of a balanced approach to the consumption of news information, emphasizing the negative consequences of excessive consumption of emotionally charged news and offering practical recommendations for maintaining mental health in difficult times.
Rational consumption of information
Biological bases of anxiety
At the biological level, anxiety prompts a person to search for information through the activation of noradrenaline and adrenaline neurons, and receiving new information stimulates the dopamine system, providing temporary relief. However, in the modern information environment, this mechanism can turn into a compulsive process, leading to addiction to news.
Purposeful Information Search
People with clear goals and action plans are better at filtering relevant data, separating them from fakes and information irrelevant to their goals. This helps maintain a sense of control and avoid excessive anxiety from consuming unnecessary information.
Consequences of compulsive news consumption
Uncritical absorption of information can lead to manipulation of consciousness and increased stress levels that do not correspond to real threats. This is due to the fact that people constantly consume information that they do not really need.
Recommendations for the rational consumption of information
The author offers several tips: identify the necessary sources of information, assess real risks and possible actions, work on emotions separately, maintain overall quality life, set time limits on news consumption. The key is to realize that information should be within a person's control and contribute to constructive actions.
Glossary
- IPSO (Information-psychological special operation) - dissemination of deliberately false or distorted information with the aim of manipulating mass consciousness.
- Dopamine is a neurotransmitter responsible for feelings of pleasure and reward in the brain.
- Emotiogenic structures of the brain - areas of the brain associated with the regulation of emotional processes.
Link
- Digital 2024 Global Overview Report
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Discussion of the topic – Oversaturation with news: tips on information hygiene from Peter Chornomorets
Learn how to cope with the constant flow of news and maintain mental health from Peter Chornomorets, an information hygiene expert.
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Джейн
Shock 😲 I never thought that information overload could be so harmful! In fact, this all explains why I feel constantly exhausted lately - I spend too much time on social media looking for news about the situation.
Марко
It is very interesting and useful! 💡 Thanks to this article, I understood why it is difficult for me to concentrate lately. It turns out that my habit of constantly checking the news feed is a kind of addiction.
Гріма
For me, the main thing is to realize that most news is emotionally charged and aimed at attracting attention. 🧠 I try to choose sources of information more carefully and not spend all my time on news.
Йозеф
This is a really serious problem nowadays. It's incredibly easy to lose control of your news consumption. 😮💨 It is important to periodically distract yourself with something positive and take breaks from news feeds.
Ганс
Bgrrr... Who cares about news anyway? The most nonsense and manipulation! 🙄 It's better to go fishing and enjoy the peace than to stick your nose in these holes all day.
Марко
Thanks for the interesting article, Peter! 👍 I've decided to limit the time I spend in the News Feed and have set my devices to Do Not Disturb. Now I feel much better and can focus on important things.
Джейн
Great advice! 🙌 I also tried to introduce a reasonable time limit for viewing the news. Instead of spending hours scrolling non-stop, I now set aside an hour or two a day and try to stick to that limit. I already feel positive changes!
Гріма
As the amount of misinformation and fake news increased, I began to check sources more actively. 📰 Found several reliable resources and subscribed to their digests. This helps you get the top news without spending all day searching for information.