This article was written for Annabel & Grace, which is now part of Rest Less.
WARNING: YOU ARE NOT GOING TO BELIEVE THIS…
To keep abreast of the news can be an important part of staying informed and engaged in the world around us. It can keep us up to date with events in our communities, the nation, and the world.
The question of whether we should keep abreast of the news and how regularly, however, is a complex one.
On the one hand, staying informed about the news, particularly about local and national events, is important for developing a sense of civic responsibility and engagement. Knowing what is going on in the world helps us to participate in the conversations and debates that shape our society and the decisions that governments and other institutions make. It also helps to provide us with a sense of connection to the world around us, and to the people who share our communities and our planet.
On the other hand, it is important to be aware of the potential risks associated with over-exposure to the news. The news can often be filled with negative stories and images, and can be overwhelming and anxiety-producing. It is important to be mindful of the potential for news exposure to have a negative emotional impact. If we find ourselves feeling overwhelmed or anxious after consuming news, it may be wise to take a break from it for a while.
The key to finding a healthy balance with news consumption is to create a personalised plan that works for you. Consider the types of stories and topics that you feel most passionate about and prioritise those.
If you are concerned about the potential for negative emotional impacts, it can be helpful to limit your exposure to news sources that are more balanced in their coverage, or to keep up with the news in smaller doses.
Also, consider the format of news consumption that works best for you. There are a variety of options available, such as newspapers, radio, and TV, as well as online sources like websites, podcasts, and social media. Choose the format or formats that you feel most comfortable with and set a schedule that works for you.
For example, you might choose to read the newspaper in the morning, listen to a radio programme on your way to work, and watch the TV news in the evening. Ultimately, the decision of whether and how regularly to keep abreast of the news should be based on your own personal preferences and needs. Consider how you feel after consuming news, and pay attention to the potential for news sources to become overwhelming or anxiety-producing. With a bit of thoughtful planning, you can find a balance that works for you and helps you stay connected to the world around you.
DID YOU ENJOY READING THIS ARTICLE? WAS IT INFORMATIVE? WELL, THE TRUTH IS…
… it was written by AI (Artificial Intelligence). I just gave it a brief to do a couple of hundred words on the subject of whether or not we should keep abreast of the news and the above took the AI just under a minute to compose.
AI is not coming – it’s already ubiquitous in our lives. It curates our nightly TV entertainment, connects us to our friends online and navigates us, mostly successfully, to our destinations. However these uses are just the beginning, and it will likely bring societal changes we can’t yet imagine.
If you’d like to know more about this absolutely fascinating subject, why not listen to the easy-to-digest BBC Radio 4 series entitled Rutherford and Fry on Living with AI.
More 3 minute stories, written by real humans, can be enjoyed here.