Since the rise of the internet and the widespread adoption of smartphones, access to information has become instant and continuous. News is broadcast non-stop, both through traditional media and social networks, exposing us to a relentless stream of updates.

We also live in a context where the news cycle is faster than ever, and many of the headlines focus on unprecedented global threats: climate crisis, wars, health crises, inflation, economic conflicts, territorial annexation threats… the list goes on.

While staying informed is essential, overconsumption of news can lead to a form of Internet addiction, with notable consequences on mental well-being and daily habits.

News Everywhere, All the Time

Instant Access and Constant Notifications

Smartphones and push notifications allow us to check the news anytime, anywhere. This proximity creates a reflex: as soon as an alert pops up, we feel the need to read it immediately.

Algorithms and Personalization

Social media and news websites use algorithms that prioritize the most engaging content—meaning the content most likely to make users click, comment, or react. Unfortunately, the most engaging news is often the most emotional—and particularly those that provoke negative emotions like anger or sadness.

As a result, algorithms keep suggesting similar emotionally charged content, reinforcing those negative feelings and trapping users in a cycle of distressing news consumption.

Social Pressure and Fear of Missing Out (FOMO)

Not keeping up with the news can create the impression of being left out in conversations. Sharing information is a way of belonging to a group, and missing the latest updates can cause a feeling of exclusion.

This phenomenon, amplified since the rise of social media in the 2010s, is known as FOMO (Fear of Missing Out)—the anxiety of missing something important.

 Recognizing the Warning Signs

Several signs indicate that what started as a healthy habit of staying informed has become problematic, with negative impacts on daily life:

• Checking the news frequently—first thing in the morning, all day long, and right before bed.
• Doomscrolling: Mindlessly scrolling through news feeds for extended periods in search of more updates. (In Québec, this is called “défilement morbide”).
• Finding it difficult to go a day without checking the news.
• Consuming multiple media sources simultaneously (e.g. listening to the news on the radio while reading online articles).

Real-Life Consequences

Constantly grabbing your phone to read about a new nuclear threat or millions of acres of forest going up in flames has real, significant impacts.

Psychological Impacts

• Increased anxiety and chronic stress due to constant exposure to bad news.
• A feeling of helplessness in the face of global crises—overexposure to negative news can create the belief that nothing can be done and that the future is doomed.
• Mental fatigue due to information overload—our brains struggle to process excessive amounts of distressing content.

 Effects on Daily Life

• Difficulty concentrating
• Disrupted sleep patterns
• Social isolation—spending more time consuming news than interacting with others

Consuming Less, But Better: Finding Balance

Regaining healthy news consumption habits is not always easy, especially in a world where every day brings shocking new events. However, strategies can be put in place to ensure that we stay informed without being overwhelmed.

The goal is not to stop consuming news altogether—information is essential to being engaged in society—but rather to be more intentional about when and how we consume it.

How to Reduce News Exposure Without Disconnecting?

• Set specific times during the day to check the news.
• Turn off notifications and limit social media access.
• Prioritize a few reliable sources to avoid information overload.

Switch from Passive to Active News Consumption

• Read in-depth analyses instead of chasing breaking news.
• Choose media that provide solutions and context, rather than just problems.

Practice Regular Digital Detox

• Schedule screen-free time during the day.
• Accept that you don’t need to know everything in real time.
• Replace screen time with relaxing activities (reading, nature walks, exercise).

Need Help Managing Your News Consumption?

If you’d like support in adopting healthier information habits, our team is here to help. We can assist you in developing effective, personalized strategies to reduce stress and regain balance. Call us at 1-800-461-0140 or chat with us (bottom right of your screen).

Ce contenu a été traduit grâce au soutien du Secrétariat aux relations avec les Québécois d’expression anglaise.