Over the last six months, I have been closely following several news channels here in Syndey. Some channels focus on trash and sleaze, while others try to educate and inform you. All channels seem to deliver negative information.
At a flick of a finger, you can hear where in the world people are getting murdered, mugged, or abused by their presidents, police, business or family. I realize that some of this information is useful to know, so you can make informed decisions about government, business, investing, travel, etc., but do we really need to be exposed to this kind of information every moment of every day
I have lived on three different continents, and the news has always been the same. BAD NEWS! Imagine what kind of effect this has on us, our physiology, mood and productivity. I don't know about you, but it has a very negative effect on me. It becomes harder to stay positive, harder to see the good in people, and harder to work on making this world a better place.
Few years ago, I went on a news-free diet for six months. Oh, what a relief that was! I ended up being happier, because I did not hear all this negative, fearmongering information that was pumped into everyone's heads. "Terrorists could hit us any day now." "Housing is becoming unaffordable." "You will not be able to retire with your current savings." "It is hard to find jobs."
I have decided to start my news-free diet again. If something really important is happening, people will let me know. Otherwise, bye bye current affairs. I will stick to reading science and technology news as this is actually useful news, and is rarely negative.
How does watching news / reading newspapers affect you?
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