Good news, bad news, left news, right news. (Dr. Suess wrote a book about that, didn’t he?) No matter where we are, we’re only a swipe and a tap away from news stories all around the world. While it’s important to stay informed, it’s often overwhelming to be bombarded with the tragedy, devastation, and unrest that happens across countries. That’s where the power of good news comes in!
NCBI reports that “26.7% of people exposed to negative news go on to develop anxiety issues,” and, according to Common Sense Media “63% of kids aged 12–18 say that watching the news makes them feel bad.”
These alarming statistics alone make a case for why good news is important! But it’s more than just a matter of our mental health. Read on to learn more about the impact of negative news, the power of good news, and where to find positive news.
The Impact of Negative News
While the consumption of negative news alone is rarely the reason behind mental health concerns, it often exacerbates existing issues. If you’re already struggling with anxiety or feeling burdened by stress, exposure to negative news can cause aggravated feelings of worry and hopelessness.
In addition to the mental toll that negative news typically takes, it can bring on stress-related physical symptoms:
- Increased blood pressure
- Heightened cortisol levels
- Difficulty sleeping
According to a survey from the Harvard School of Public Health, the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, and NPR, those who regularly consume negative news “tend to have less trust in political leaders, lower evaluations of other people and communities, and more psychological problems.”
So, what’s the solution? How do we keep up with world events without drowning in depression?
The Benefits of Good News
Good news can be split into two categories:
- Uplifting and lighthearted news
- Constructive journalism
While uplifting and lighthearted news includes content like viral videos about good deeds, constructive journalism reports the news from a helpful, solution-based angle.
When we consume constructive journalism, we’re still reading about the same issues we’d be reading about otherwise. The difference, however, is that we leave each story feeling empowered to do our part to improve the problem and make a difference.
What other benefits of good news are there?
- Improved outlook on life
- Greater feelings of kindness and generosity
- Inspiration to find solutions to problems
- Increased dopamine, endorphins, and serotonin
- Reduced blood pressure, cortisol levels, and stress
Where to Find Positive News
Obviously, being informed is a good thing. But hearing all that depressing news can take a toll on anyone. So let’s make it easy for you! Here’s where to find positive news:
- Daily Good
- Good News on HuffPost
- Good News on Today
- Good News Network
- Inspiring Stories on BBC
- Positive News
Keep It Positive with Troomi
Negative news may be everywhere, but you can help shield your kids from the stress. With our super-safe smartphone for kids, you’re in control of the content your child can access!
Troomi phones don’t have social media or traditional Internet browsers, so your little ones can focus on more age-appropriate matters—like wrapping up their homework or riding their bike.
To learn more about how Troomi can protect your child, click here!