The Health Hazards of Negative News
A research study reveals that constant media exposure during the 24/7 news cycle can have negative effects on one’s mental and physical health. The study found that the constant bombardment of news, especially negative news, can increase perceptions of threat and activate the “fight or flight” response. This response, which is a natural response to danger, can lead to subsequent physical and mental health problems if triggered too frequently. It is important to note that too much exposure to traumatic events through the media can have detrimental effects and it is important to be mindful of one’s media consumption. Citizens should challenge the content for accuracy, thoroughness and reliability which are sourced from trusted media. They must critically question the content and conduct analysis, comparison and evaluation.
While news has the potential to affect people negatively, it is important to recognise that the impact is not universal and depends on a complex interplay of factors. Why do people persistently keep consuming more news when it is evident from studies that news is a stressor? There are two causes: one is explained by neuroscience that ‘negativity bias’ that drives our attention to negative news is not an option but an inborn tendency because we are genetically hardwired for the purpose of survival, supported by the Darwinism Theory. Thus we pay relatively more attention to disturbing or negative events happening around us. Now there’s emerging evidence that the emotional fallout triggered by negative news cannot be ruled out which also affects our physical health – increasing our chances of having a heart attack or developing health problems years later. (Zaria Gorvett,12.03.2020). Several scientific and professionals have demonstrated practical examples of the incidence of ‘negativity bias.’
Loretta Breuning, a former professor explains “this can make it hard for us to ignore the negatives and seek out the positives around us.” she says. “Our brain is predisposed to go negative, and the news we consume reflects this.” She further adds that “a lot of what you see today is gossip elevated to a sophisticated level.” (Markham Heid, 31.01.2018)
Giving sustained attention to negative news induces you into that mode of thinking due to our brain creating a neuronal circuit in the Neuroplasticity, is the brain’s ability to change and adapt throughout life in response to experiences, environmental stimuli, and learning. This ability is essential for various cognitive and behavioural functions, including learning and memory, motor skill development, and recovery from injury or disease. Focusing on specific goals creates new and robust neural pathways between our neurons, facilitating our ability to achieve success. It enables us to approach challenges with a growth mindset to develop new skills which helps us replace old habits with new ones. A growth mindset refuses to accept that you have a finite amount of ability or intelligence. (Patrice Voss et al. 2017)
News can warp our perception of reality and influence our thoughts and behaviours in ways we may not even realise. One example is the way news coverage can influence our perception of risk. Studies have shown that the way news stories are framed can manipulate our perception of how risky a country or situation is. This can have life or death consequences, as people may underestimate their own risk of certain illnesses or diseases, potentially missing early warning signs. The public perception of a disease’s prevalence suggests that news coverage shapes public perception, which in turn influences the allocation of government resources. There is also evidence that the news can affect our mental health, causing stress, anxiety, and PTSD, especially following a crisis. The impact of news is a psychological mystery, as most news doesn’t actually affect us directly, if at all.
Exposure to negative news affects both the body and the mind. It creates feelings of fear, anxiety, and depression. Research has shown that exposure to negative news is associated with increased symptoms of anxiety and depression, as well as a heightened sense of fear and vulnerability. (Yu-ting Zhang et al., 2021)
Surprisingly a few studies have looked into how this all adds up, but in 2018 – well before we were confined to our homes with a major global crisis unravelling around us – the average American spent around eleven hours every day looking at screens, where information about global events is hard to escape. Many of us even take our primary news-delivery devices,such as mobile phones to bed.
A study by the American Psychological Association (APA) found that people who repeatedly watched coverage of the September 11 terrorist attacks had higher levels of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms than those who didn’t. (Garfin, D. R., Silver, R. C., & Holman, E. A. 2020). This emotional contagion theory states that emotion could be transferred from one person to another through automatic mimicry, such as facial expression and postures.
Moreover, emotional contagion could also occur online, in the absence of typical in-person interaction clues, especially for negative emotions. Negative posts were followed by more negative responses than positive posts on X. Happiness can be spread from person to person through social interactions.
Media effect theory explains how media use brings a change to people’s cognition, emotion, and behaviour. (de Hoog N, Verboon P.,2019) [NEXT- Is the news making us unhappy?]