“If you get your view of the world from the news, you’re always going to think that we’re living in violent times.”
– Steven Pinker
What’s the message of the mainstream media? Be afraid! Stay inside! Out there are Isis, the 1% staling your money and clowns! No wonder we feel anxious and afraid even though we live in the safest era in human history.
The Lab Report – 006 – “Quit the News”
I stopped following the news about 3 years ago. I don’t read any newspapers, I don’t listen to the radio and I don’t follow any blogs or news feeds.
How has this experiment pan out?
Short term effects: ⭐️⭐️⭐️
– “Fear of Missing Out” might haunt you in the beginning – don’t worry, if it’s important (most news aren’t) you will hear about it.
– Fearmonger stories triggers stress and spikes your cortisol. Without these spikes you can enjoy a stronger immune system.
Long term effects: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
– Reduced fear and anxiety.
– Less drama, more focus.
– The media is experts at masking us feel concerned. Being concerned makes us feel like we are doing something while we’re not. Now you freed up time to do shit.
Sustainability: ⭐️⭐️⭐️
– You might work at a job where you’re unable to control news exposure i.e a places where TVs and radios on all the time.
– Social media feeds can be challenging to manage. I solved it by not looking at social media feeds.
– Ones your out off it, and if you pay attention to the positive effects, then it’s very hard to relapse.
FINAL VERDICT: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Quitting the news is the closest thing I’ve found to a silver bullet for improved happiness and inner peace. 👌🏻 ☯️
Of course you should not take my word for it. Think for yourself. And also -what is the counter argument to what I just said? 🧐 🤔
