edition.cnn.com
Doomerism: Anxiety Over Current Events Impacts Mental Well-being
Seventy percent of adults feel anxious about current events, according to a recent poll, with younger generations especially affected by climate change and political instability; this "doomerism" is fueled by negative media and social media echo chambers, but focusing on short-term goals and social connections can build hope.
- What strategies can effectively counter "doomerism" and cultivate hope, focusing on achievable goals and social connections?
- Addressing doomerism requires shifting focus from overwhelming long-term goals to achievable short-term ones, fostering a sense of agency and hope. Building strong social connections provides crucial support and models for success, countering feelings of isolation and helplessness. The key is to cultivate optimism about the near future, which has been shown to improve both mental and physical well-being.
- What percentage of adults reported anxiety about current events, and how are younger generations disproportionately impacted?
- A recent American Psychiatric Association poll revealed that 70% of adults experience anxiety about current events, with younger generations particularly affected by climate change, political instability, and cynicism toward political and environmental efforts. This anxiety, sometimes termed "doomerism," is exacerbated by media focusing on climate change warnings without solutions, creating a "hope gap.
- How does media coverage, particularly on social media, contribute to feelings of doom and helplessness regarding climate change?
- The prevalence of "doomerism," characterized by feelings of impending doom and helplessness, is linked to information overload, negative social media messaging, and echo chambers reinforcing pessimistic viewpoints. Studies show that constant exposure to catastrophic climate change narratives fosters feelings of inefficacy and undermines hope. The use of doomer slang, while sometimes humorous, can also prime negative emotional responses.
Cognitive Concepts
Framing Bias
The article frames 'doomerism' as a largely negative phenomenon, emphasizing its detrimental effects on mental health. While the negative impacts are valid, the framing could be improved by acknowledging that some aspects of caution and awareness might be warranted responses to legitimate global crises. The headline and introduction immediately establish a negative tone, setting the stage for a predominantly pessimistic narrative. A more balanced approach would acknowledge both the challenges and the potential for constructive action.
Language Bias
The article uses loaded language like "impending doom," "gloomier news," and "catastrophic" when discussing current events and their effects on mental well-being. While these terms accurately reflect the feelings of some individuals, they also contribute to a generally negative tone. More neutral alternatives could include 'challenging times,' 'difficult news,' or 'significant concerns.' The repetition of terms like 'doom' and 'crisis' reinforces a sense of overwhelming negativity.
Bias by Omission
The article focuses heavily on the negative aspects of 'doomerism' and its impact, but omits discussion of potential benefits or alternative perspectives on the constant influx of negative news. While acknowledging the negative effects of information overload, it doesn't explore strategies for responsible news consumption or media literacy, which could empower readers to manage their information intake more effectively. The piece also lacks diverse voices beyond the quoted experts, potentially neglecting other viewpoints on coping with anxiety related to current events.
False Dichotomy
The article presents a somewhat false dichotomy by framing the issue as either succumbing to 'doomerism' or achieving unwavering optimism. It doesn't fully explore the nuances of navigating anxiety and maintaining a balanced perspective in the face of challenging news. The focus on short-term goals as a solution implies that long-term planning is ineffective, which is an oversimplification.
Sustainable Development Goals
The article discusses the rising phenomenon of "doomerism," characterized by anxiety and dread stemming from overwhelming negative news. This contributes to increased depression, anxiety, stress, fatigue, and feelings of helplessness, negatively impacting mental and emotional well-being, particularly among younger generations. The text highlights the role of information overload and negative social media messaging in exacerbating these issues.