With 24/7 news at our fingertips, the constant stream of global conflict, political upheaval and traumatising imagery can take a toll on mental health.
RMIT University media expert Professor Alexandra Wake says it’s possible to stay informed without becoming overwhelmed.
“We are very lucky in Australia to be one of the world’s 29 functioning democracies,” Professor Wake, from the School of Media and Communication, said. “But democracy only works when citizens seek information from trusted and credible news sources about what’s going on.”
She warns that social media is not the same as traditional public service news and can increase anxiety.
“Being part of civil society means staying informed, but that does not mean anyone needs to watch 24/7 news, and certainly no one should spend all day watching war coverage,” she said.
Professor Wake advises Australians to use traditional news sources, which balance coverage and limit the most graphic material, and to explore controlled ways of consuming news.
Options include daily newsletters, print newspapers or programs such as ABC’s BTN.
“We have a responsibility as Australians to take part in society, which includes making decisions about the quality of news we consume,” she said. “We are fortunate to have reliable public service outlets that provide trusted information without overwhelming us.”