Mindful engagement over doomscrolling every day

If you're feeling like the news is particularly bad at the moment, you're not alone, writes Reza Shabahang, research fellow in human cybersecurity, Monash University, and academic researcher in media psychology, Flinders University.

- Reza Shabahang

But many of us can't look away - and don't want to. Engaging with news can help us make sense of what's going on and, for many of us, is an ethical stance.

So, how can you also take care of your mental health? Here's how to balance staying informed with the impact negative news can have on our wellbeing.

Our brains are wired to prioritise safety and survival, and respond rapidly to danger.

Repeatedly activating such processes by consuming distressing news content - often called doomscrolling - can be mentally draining.

Unfiltered or uncensored images can have an especially powerful psychological impact. Graphic footage of tragedies circulating on social media may have a stronger effect than traditional media (such as television and newspapers) which are more regulated.

Research shows consuming negative news is linked to lower wellbeing and psychological difficulties, such as anxiety and feelings of uncertainty and insecurity. It can make us feel more pessimistic towards ourselves, other people, humanity and life in general.