theguardian.com
Combating the "Gloomcycle": Strategies for Managing Constant Negative News
Rachel Janfaza's term "gloomcycle" describes the overwhelming negativity from constant bad news, impacting mental health across generations; the article suggests coping mechanisms including limiting exposure, self-care, and choosing trusted news sources.
- What are the immediate psychological and emotional consequences of constant exposure to negative news, and how prevalent is this phenomenon across different demographics?
- Rachel Janfaza, founder of the Gen Z-oriented site "Up and Up," coined the term "gloomcycle" to describe the overwhelming sense of negativity from constant exposure to bad news. A 23-year-old Alabaman exemplifies this feeling, stating they are "overwhelmed by all of the bad news." This feeling is widespread across generations, fueled by events like political assassinations and the threat of world war.
- How do the suggested coping mechanisms—limiting news consumption, engaging in self-care, and selecting trusted sources—address the systemic issues contributing to the "gloomcycle"?
- The "gloomcycle" reflects a growing concern about the mental health impacts of constant exposure to negative news, exacerbated by readily available social media and 24/7 news cycles. The article suggests that this constant barrage of negativity is particularly acute due to Donald Trump's presidency and the ensuing political climate.
- What are the long-term implications of prolonged exposure to the "gloomcycle" on individual well-being and civic engagement, and what innovative solutions could potentially address this issue?
- The article proposes strategies to mitigate the negative effects of the "gloomcycle." These include setting daily limits on news consumption, prioritizing self-care activities, and relying on trusted, curated news sources to reduce the overall stress and maintain mental well-being while staying informed. This suggests a need for a more mindful and balanced approach to news consumption.
Cognitive Concepts
Framing Bias
The framing focuses on the emotional impact of constant negative news, offering solutions for managing this overload. While mentioning several significant events, the emphasis is on personal coping strategies rather than a detailed analysis of the events themselves. This framing is intentional and appropriate for the article's purpose.
Bias by Omission
The article focuses on coping mechanisms for overwhelming news and does not delve into the specific details or various perspectives of the political events mentioned. Omission of specific details about events like political assassinations or federal raids might limit the reader's ability to form a complete understanding of these issues. However, this omission is justifiable given the article's focus on mental well-being in response to a constant stream of negative news.
Sustainable Development Goals
The article discusses the overwhelming amount of negative news, including political assassinations and federal raids, contributing to a sense of instability and undermining peace and justice. The constant barrage of negative news impacts mental health, indirectly affecting the ability of individuals to engage in civic participation and contribute to strong institutions.