When Negative News Takes a Toll

There is an old saying in journalism: “If it bleeds, it leads.” Stories involving conflict, danger and uncertainty frequently receive the most attention, and modern research helps explain why.

A large 2023 study published in Nature Human Behaviour examined more than 105,000 variations of online news headlines. Researchers found that each additional negative word in an average-length headline increased the likelihood that someone would click on it by approximately 2.3%.

In other words, negative headlines do not simply appear more noticeable. They can actively encourage us to keep reading.

Why Negativity Gets Our Attention

Our brains are naturally alert to possible threats. This tendency, often called a negativity bias, once helped humans identify danger and respond quickly. Although most of us are no longer watching for predators, our attention can still be captured by alarming headlines, troubling images and uncertain situations.

Digital news and social media platforms make it possible to move from one upsetting story to another without a natural stopping point. This pattern is commonly known as “doomscrolling.”

Research has associated frequent doomscrolling with lower mental well-being, reduced life satisfaction and increased feelings of distress. Staying informed is important, but repeatedly consuming upsetting information may leave us feeling as though danger is everywhere, even when the stories have little direct effect on our daily lives.

Stress Can Affect the Body

When something feels threatening, the body may respond by becoming more alert. Breathing can become shallow, muscles may tighten, and it can become harder to relax or sleep.

Our news habits can also affect us physically in simpler ways. Spending long periods looking down at a phone or sitting tensely in front of a screen may contribute to stiffness and discomfort in the neck, shoulders and upper back.

The answer is not to ignore important events. Instead, it may help to become more deliberate about how, when and where we receive information.

Creating Healthier News Habits

Consider checking reliable news sources at one or two planned times each day instead of responding to every notification. Avoid reading upsetting stories immediately before bed, and give yourself permission to stop scrolling when you have learned what you need to know.

You can also balance screen time with activities that help your mind and body settle, such as:

• Taking a walk or spending time outdoors

• Stretching and changing positions regularly

• Calling someone you enjoy talking with

• Reading, gardening or working on a hobby

• Practising slow, comfortable breathing

• Putting your phone away during meals and before bedtime

It is also worth remembering that difficult headlines do not represent the whole world. Every day, people recover, solve problems, help their neighbours, make medical discoveries and create positive changes. These developments may receive less attention, but they are happening nonetheless.

Being informed and being overwhelmed are not the same thing. By setting thoughtful boundaries around news and screen use, we can remain connected to the world while also protecting our rest, movement and overall well-being.