The accumulation of bad news can seem depressing. But when anxiety-provoking news is balanced with positive information, it can have a positive impact on our mental health.
- Following the news often exposes people to negative or anxiety-provoking information.
- Their effects on mental health can be positive if this information is supplemented by subjects providing a more pleasant view of the world.
- Being exposed to negative information but also to positive news can bring a feeling of well-being.
Many people avoid watching the news because it can cause anxiety, sadness and even depression. However, a study conducted by researchers at McGill University in Montreal shows that, when accompanied by stories of positive action, bad news can have beneficial effects.
A better psychological state in the face of both negative and positive information
The study involved two groups of 1,800 subjects. The first group was exposed to bad news, such as attacks, acts of violence and animal abuse. The second group saw the same news, but interspersed with reports on positive actions such as helping the homeless, volunteer care for animals or supporting teenagers in the grip of depression. The researchers found that the group that was exposed to both negative and positive news emerged from the experiment in better psychological condition than the group that saw only negative news.
Unexpected results that redefine our view of news
This study may seem surprising, because it challenges the idea that the news is always depressing. In fact, bad news is not necessarily a bad thing. They can be used to promote positive actions and encourage empathy and compassion towards others. The results of the study show that by presenting negative information while highlighting positive and voluntary actions, the media can contribute to better mental health of their public.
Stories of altruism and compassion, which engender benevolence, according to the authors of this study, promote “a more positive view of the world, reinforce confidence in humanity and give a feeling of well-being”.
