September 2, 2025 | 10:22 am
CANTIKA.COM, Jakarta - In the age of information overload, many people feel exhausted and overwhelmed every time they open the news. This condition is known as news fatigue, which can trigger stress, anxiety, and even the desire to avoid information altogether. However, staying updated with the news is essential so that we don't miss out on essential matters. So, how can we stay informed without feeling burdened?
What Is News Fatigue?
News fatigue is the condition when someone feels tired, stressed, or even overwhelmed due to consuming news too often. In the digital era, information comes incessantly from online media and social platforms. It's no wonder that many people eventually feel tired, anxious, and may even choose to avoid the news completely.
However, completely ignoring the news is not the solution. Instead, we need to find ways to stay informed without feeling overwhelmed.
Causes of News Fatigue
Some factors that often trigger news fatigue include:
Continuous information flow without breaks.
Exposure to a large amount of negative news.
Social media that encourages doomscrolling habits.
Repetitive information that leads to boredom and fatigue.
Impact of News Fatigue on Mental Health
If left unaddressed, news fatigue can have serious effects such as:
Increased stress and anxiety.
Difficulty sleeping or disrupted sleep patterns.
Lack of focus and concentration.
Avoiding the news altogether, leading to the risk of missing important information.
7 Tips to Combat News Fatigue
1. Limit News Consumption Time
Set a specific duration for reading the news, for example, only 30-60 minutes per day. Avoid opening news apps or social media outside of the designated time to avoid getting caught in doomscrolling.
2. Reduce Social Media Exposure
Social media often serves as a source of repetitive negative news. Adjust your feed by muting or unfollowing accounts that cause stress. If necessary, take a social media detox for a temporary period.
3. Seek Positive or Local News
Balance heavy global news exposure with positive stories or lighter local information. Reading inspirational stories or community news can help maintain a positive mood.
4. Choose Reliable News Sources
Avoid sensational headlines and focus on credible media. Simply read a few essential articles without delving into every aspect of the same piece of news.
5. Take Breaks and Breathe
Take time to truly pause from the screen. Simple activities like walking, cooking, or deep breathing can help calm the mind.
6. Self-Care
Maintain a healthy lifestyle with sufficient sleep, nutritious meals, and regular exercise. After reading the news, balance it with enjoyable activities like listening to music, watching lighthearted movies, or engaging in your favorite hobbies.
7. Focus on Things You Can Change
Instead of feeling powerless about major issues, redirect your energy towards tangible things you can do. For example, get involved in social activities, support communities, or share positive information with those around you.
News fatigue is a sign that the body and mind need a break from the overwhelming information flow. By limiting time, choosing credible news sources, and maintaining life balance, you can stay informed without feeling overwhelmed. Remember, the key lies in control, balance, and self-care.
VERYWELL MIND | UNC.EDU | MDPI | ATHENS JOURNAL
Editor's Note:
This article aims to provide general information about the phenomenon of news fatigue and ways to address it. If you feel excessively stressed or anxious due to news consumption, consider speaking with a professional to get appropriate support.
Psychological Support Services to Contact
If you feel the need for professional assistance due to stress or anxiety from the news, here are some institutions and counseling services available in Indonesia:
Healing119.id - Official psychological hotline service from the Ministry of Health accessible via phone (119 ext. 8) or WhatsApp chat. You can use the voice or chat service anonymously and for free.
LISA Suicide Prevention Helpline (WhatsApp) - 24-hour helpline in Bahasa Indonesia and English:
ID: +62 811 3855 472
EN: +62 811 3815 472
Community Health Centers (Puskesmas) - More than 3,000 community health centers in Indonesia now provide mental health services. Consultation fees are generally free or very affordable, especially with the use of BPJS.
Referral Mental Hospitals under the Ministry of Health - There are five referral mental hospitals (RSJ) providing counseling services:
RSJ Amino Gondohutomo (Semarang)
RSJ Marzoeki Mahdi (Bogor)
RSJ Soeharto Heerdjan (Jakarta)
RSJ Prof. Dr. Soerojo (Magelang)
RSJ Radjiman Wediodiningrat (Malang)
Pulih Foundation - A non-profit organization providing free counseling through a form on their website. Ideal for those with financial constraints.
Indonesian Psychological Association (HIMPSI) - A professional psychologist organization providing free counseling services in various regions across Indonesia.
Sharing Stories - A free online counseling platform via LINE, Instagram, or Google Meet, suitable for light-hearted venting and emotional support.
In times like these, it's crucial to look out for one another.
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