Are we over exposed to tragedy?

Between the news and social media, are we over exposed to tragedy?

Some studies suggest we are exposed to more tragedy through social media and the news in a typical 24 hour cycle than we used to experience in an entire lifetime.

The amount of global tragedy may not have changed all that much, but we are just so much more aware of it.

The speed and volume of which we can be aware is not natural in any way. The impact on us is terrible.

It can lead directly to depression. Or potentially worse, erodes empathy.

So what can you do?

When it comes to social media, YOU are the algorithm. The content you watch will inform the platform to show you more of that content.

If you find your feed filled with tragedy, take the time to purposefully search for more up beat and positive content. Then like and comment it. Do 5 to 10 of these, then close the app. Do the same the next day or 2.

Next time you scroll your feed, guess what, that positive content will be front and centre.

If you ever spot the content youre seeing heading back to tragedy, repeat the realignment exercise.

As for news, avoid it as much as you can would be my advice. Try going 30 days without watching it on tv, or reading news papers and news websites. You won’t be less informed. Anything big enough will get through regardless. 

News apps also serve as a procrastination tool. Bored of work, you turn to the news app. Because it’s valuable knowledge, right? After all, it’s better than scrolling social media. But it’s basically impossible without getting the tragedy negativity thrown in to. So deleting the app helps remove a procrastination distraction too. Bonus points.

This is where I’m at. I’ve just deleted the news apps off my phone.

Happier mode activated.