In today’s digital age, the rise of pseudo-news is having a negative impact on our mental health. Missouri State University communication experts Dr. Brian Ott and Dr. Elizabeth Dudash-Buskirk shed light on the effects of consuming opinion and commentary disguised as news. This flood of information has led to increased confusion, anxiety, and polarization among the public.
Ott describes our digital world as a “river of muck,” where legitimate news mixes with conspiracy theories and political spin. The algorithm-driven content we engage with online traps us in filter bubbles, reinforcing our beliefs and intensifying polarization. This constant exposure to outrage-inducing content is exhausting and detrimental to our mental well-being.
To protect our mental health, Ott and Dudash-Buskirk recommend limiting social media use, seeking out trusted sources, and engaging in real conversations with those who hold differing opinions. They stress the importance of demanding quality journalism from news outlets to combat the spread of pseudo-news and toxic online environments.
Ultimately, the fight against pseudo-news and the promotion of a healthier information environment is crucial for both our mental health and the future of civil discourse. With a collective push for change, there is hope for a more balanced and informed media landscape that prioritizes facts and critical thinking over sensationalism.
Source
Photo credit news.missouristate.edu