The brain was not designed for this much bad news (sciencedaily.com)

Article summary

The article discusses how the human brain is not designed to handle the constant stream of bad news it is exposed to in today's world, leading to news fatigue and a sense of powerlessness. This can result in people avoiding the news altogether, which can have negative consequences for democracy and informed citizenship. The article suggests that managing news consumption and focusing on local, actionable issues can help mitigate this problem. It also highlights the importance of distinguishing between information and action, and recognizing the limitations of individual agency in addressing global problems.

Main themes

• News fatigue
• Cognitive overload
• Democracy and citizenship
• Mental health
• Information management

What commenters say

• People should prioritize local issues and focus on what they can control, rather than getting overwhelmed by global problems.
• The constant exposure to bad news can lead to a sense of powerlessness and disengagement from the democratic process.
• Some argue that it's impossible for a layman to understand the truth about current events, and that it's best to avoid media and popular opinion altogether.
• Others believe that being aware of current events is important, but that it's essential to manage consumption and focus on reliable sources to avoid misinformation.
• The Israel-Palestine issue is often used as a proxy for other political issues, and can be a divisive topic in local politics.
• Some commenters argue that it's essential to consider a candidate's stance on issues like Israel-Palestine, even in local elections, as it can indicate their priorities and values.
• Others believe that this issue is often used as a distraction or a way to mobilize voters, rather than a genuine concern for the local community.