Does reading the news or scrolling social media make you feel anxious?
It could be due to sensationalism.
Sensationalism is “the presentation of stories in a way that is intended to provoke public interest or excitement, at the expense of accuracy” (Oxford Dictionary).
This type of storytelling is designed to make you feel something – perhaps fear, anger, or excitement.
Sensationalism is present in a lot of media – it makes for attention-grabbing headlines and thought-provoking stories, but it can contribute to a sense of anxiety.
It’s impossible to avoid sensationalism altogether, but there are some ways you can minimise your exposure while still staying informed.
Here are some tips.
Pick a few credible sources of information that offer more in-depth and balanced coverage. Look for established experts offering informed opinions.
Social media is a hot spot for ‘fake news’. Be wary of what you read there.
Be especially cautious of ‘clickbait’ – pieces with headlines that are obviously designed to grab your attention.
If you see a report, statistic, or ‘fact’ mentioned in a story, and it means something to you, and you have the time, do your own research to confirm its credibility.
Try to check the news once or twice a day, when you’re in a good frame of mind to process the information. Try this for a few days, and then see if you notice a difference in how you feel.