Sensationalism: How to avoid it
How to minimise your exposure to sensationalism.
Does reading the news or scrolling social media make you feel anxious?
It could be due to sensationalism.
Sensationalism is “the presentation of stories in a way that is intended to provoke public interest or excitement, at the expense of accuracy” (Oxford Dictionary).
This type of storytelling is designed to make you feel something – perhaps fear, anger, or excitement.
Sensationalism is present in a lot of media – it makes for attention-grabbing headlines and thought-provoking stories, but it can contribute to a sense of anxiety.
It’s impossible to avoid sensationalism altogether, but there are some ways you can minimise your exposure while still staying informed.
Here are some tips.
Choose credible sources
Pick a few credible sources of information that offer more in-depth and balanced coverage. Look for established experts offering informed opinions.
Be wary of social media
Social media is a hot spot for ‘fake news’. Be wary of what you read there.
Learn to spot clickbait
Be especially cautious of ‘clickbait’ – pieces with headlines that are obviously designed to grab your attention.
Do your own research
If you see a report, statistic, or ‘fact’ mentioned in a story, and it means something to you, and you have the time, do your own research to confirm its credibility.
Limit how often you read the news
Try to check the news once or twice a day, when you’re in a good frame of mind to process the information. Try this for a few days, and then see if you notice a difference in how you feel.
Another trick is to seek out positive news. Take a look at these 7 places to find good news online for happy reading.