Slow News Is Good News: Why It Matters
Finding Sunshine in the News Cycle: why Good News Matters
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The constant barrage of bad news can feel overwhelming. From global crises to local tragedies,the headlines often paint a bleak picture of the world. It’s understandable to want to tune it all out, to retreat into a “doom-cave” and avoid the negativity. But for many, including myself, wholly disconnecting from the news isn’t an option. We know it’s out there, and a part of us always feels the need to stay informed.
The Overload and the Turn-Off
For years, news consumption was manageable.We’d catch up on events through scheduled bulletins, frequently enough sandwiched between our favorite television shows. Now, however, the sheer volume of information available 24/7 can be paralyzing. This constant influx can lead to a sense of helplessness and anxiety, making it tempting to simply switch off.
The Power of Positivity: A New Approach
Recently,I’ve started a new role on a newsy podcast called “A few Scoops,” alongside journalist Aoife Moore.In our discussions, we made a conscious decision to include at least one good news story each week. This felt like a natural instinct, but it turns out there’s solid research to back it up.Studies suggest that exposure to good news can substantially benefit our mental health. It can improve our mood, counteract the brain’s tendency to focus on threats (our amygdala’s assumption that the world is full of bears!), inspire us to take action, and ultimately, foster hope.
The Search for the Silver Lining
The challenge, though, lies in finding this good news. Unlike the sensationalism of negative headlines, positive stories are often far away, slow to develop, and complex. They don’t typically grab the spotlight. In the early days of the podcast, I found myself grasping at straws, sharing news like “The Milky Way galaxy won’t collide with Andromeda for at least a few billion more years than we thought!” – a factually correct, but perhaps not the most impactful, piece of good news.
Curated good News: A Growing Trend
To combat this, I’ve started subscribing to newsletters dedicated to sharing positive developments.
Environmental Wins
Fix The News highlights that EU air pollution is falling faster than targeted.
A Spanish company is pioneering surfboards made from recycled wind turbines, as reported by The Happy Broadcast.
Fungi are being harnessed to transform used nappies into compost, another fascinating growth shared by The Happy Broadcast.
Animal Welfare and Conservation
Nice News shares heartwarming stories like baby penguins receiving manicures to help keepers identify them.
Koala populations are showing signs of recovery following devastating wildfires.
Everyday Innovations
For those who, like me, wonder about the fate of unused hotel soap, there’s good news. Companies are now diverting tons of this soap from landfills,recycling it for various uses.
Finding yoru Own Good News
If you’re looking for immediate, local, and uncomplicated good news, sometimes we just have to wait for the final whistle on Sunday. But in the meantime, actively seeking out positive stories can make a real difference to our outlook. By consciously incorporating good news into our information diet, we can cultivate a more balanced viewpoint and a more hopeful outlook on the world.
A Few Scoops** with Aoife Moore and Colm is available every Wednesday on goloud or wherever you get your podcasts.