In recent months, there has been a concerning trend in self-help podcasts that recommend disconnecting from the news in order to “live your best life.” While it’s understandable to want to protect one’s mental health by avoiding distressing or frightening news, completely disconnecting from the news means relying on others to determine what is true and false. It also relinquishes the responsibility of holding leaders accountable in a democracy.
A report published by Oxford University’s Reuters Institute revealed that a record high of 39% of people worldwide actively avoid the news, up from 29% in 2017. In Britain, this decline has been particularly staggering with 46% now avoiding the news compared to 24% in 2017. Interest in the news has also plummeted, with only 38% of Brits expressing high interest compared to 70% in 2015. Similarly, interest in America has fallen from 67% to 52%.
While social media platforms are often blamed for these declines, engagement with news on these sites is also decreasing. A recent survey by market research firm GWI found that political discussions were cited as a reason for reducing social media consumption among Americans.
Disconnecting entirely from the news assumes that someone else will do the work for you and determine what is true and false. It also means relinquishing both privilege and responsibility when it comes to holding leaders accountable and ensuring effective governance.
Our attention economy driven by algorithms has already made it difficult to agree on what is real and true. Disconnecting from mainstream media institutions may further diminish common truths while distorting people’s perceptions of reality.
Distortions can be easily exploited by those who spread deliberate untruths as facts and offer simplistic but incorrect solutions. In our overwhelming world, disengaging from reality may seem like an easy answer but it is unlikely to be the right one.
