Why I Choose to Stay Away from the News and Seek What Matters
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Chapter 1: The Dinner Conversation
Recently, I had dinner with my parents, during which they inquired about my thoughts on a recent court case. To their surprise, I had no opinion because I was completely unaware of it. Their astonishment was palpable—“It’s all over the news!” They found it hard to believe that I wasn’t following it. I felt the need to explain my stance, and here’s what I shared.
More Sources Than Ever Before
In today's world, the sheer number of news sources is unprecedented, and the speed at which information is disseminated can be overwhelming. Gone are the days when one had to wait for the morning newspaper to catch up on current events. The content of these publications could vary significantly; local papers focused on community news while larger outlets reported on global events.
Now, with the rise of social media and digital news, we receive updates in real-time. The time lag that once allowed for reflection and context has largely disappeared. We are bombarded with details as they unfold, often with no one to filter what is truly significant or to verify accuracy. The necessity for immediate fact-checking has become commonplace.
The Right to Know
Some, including my parents, view this constant flow of information as a positive development. They believe in the right to be informed as events occur. While I agree with this principle, I also contend that we must make deliberate choices about our news consumption.
To me, prioritizing immediacy over accuracy is not beneficial. While it is advantageous to stay informed, I do not believe it is healthy to devote excessive time to tracking updates about others’ stories at the expense of our own lives.
Understanding What We Need to Know
When COVID-19 first emerged in Ireland, I found myself glued to the daily reports on case numbers. Initially, I would sit down at 6 PM with a beer, enjoying this newfound routine, but it soon became a two-year obsession. As the reports expanded to include death tolls, my habit persisted, even as the beers stopped.
Throughout this period, I was cautious, adhering to government guidelines and striving to be a responsible citizen. However, I eventually questioned why I was so fixated on the numbers. The truth is, my need to stay updated stemmed from a desire to remain relevant in conversations. In retrospect, it seems pointless; knowing the numbers did not change my actions or the restrictions in place.
A Shift in Philosophy
I decided to adopt a new approach to news consumption, one that has noticeably calmed my mind.
Now, I utilize two primary methods for staying informed.
Newsletters and Opinions
At first, I subscribed to numerous newsletters, but over time, I began to unsubscribe from those that no longer interested me. I now receive four or five newsletters each week that provide me with essential updates. Most importantly, the news they offer is retrospective, allowing time for proper curation. This ensures that the information I receive is not just timely but also credible, as these curators uphold their reputations.
Additionally, I check reliable newspaper websites once a week to see which topics have garnered multiple stories or opinion pieces. This method helps me consume a diet rich in “newsworthy” content.
While I may occasionally miss a story or be late to join the conversation, I find that I have more time to engage in activities I enjoy, even if I don’t always act on them. Remarkably, the court case my parents mentioned prompted various opinion pieces, and I was able to catch up on that topic as well.
Chapter 2: Finding Balance in a Noisy World
In this video, "How To Decide What Is Newsworthy," we explore the criteria that make a story truly significant and how to filter out noise.
In "Four Reasons You Should Stop Watching the News," Rolf Dobelli discusses why stepping back from constant news consumption can improve your mental well-being.