The modern technology has made it extremely difficult for us to filter the news that reach us. Platforms like Instagram,Facebook,Snapchat,WhatsApp all have dedicated news pages from which news get to you easily.

Recently I had came across my Google feed news which reported a particular headline that read ‘Ranbir Kapoor spotted with his daughter’. It’s completely hilarious to read and report such news. We can easily become culprit to such news unless we are not mindful of what we are reading and consuming.

The nature of news and media is that they thrive on negativity and pessimism. The above example of Ranbir Kapoor is not necessarily negative or pessimistic but the way various platforms publish news tempts us to click on it and read it.No news platform would get views and likes that report good and positive news. We need to understand this. There is a particular chapter in Morgan Housel’s book The Psychology of Money that begins with a quote,

‘I don’t know why but the world likes to know that it’s going through hell’.

We are easily tempted to read negative news. What helps me avoiding such news is nicely stated by Shane Paris(a popular writer and podcaster). He says,

“Your body reflects what you eat. Your mind reflects what you consume.

For a healthy body, choose whole foods. For a sharp mind, choose lasting knowledge.

What’s lasting knowledge? It’s wisdom that endures: Timeless principles, foundational ideas, and insights that remain relevant for years, not hours.

Before diving into the news or scrolling through feeds, ask: “Will this still matter next year?” If not, it’s probably mental junk food. The sugar high will leave you craving even more. 

Avoid the empty calories in your mental diet. Feed your mind with substance.

Your future self will thank you”.

Also in the words of Nassim Nicholas Taleb,

“bad information is worse than no information at all.”

Local news agencies have started delivering news directly via Whatsapp. Whenever a particular country launches a missile on a particular country it immediately notifies us. We become extremely tempted to read and discuss such news. At the same moment there are people living in our streets who have nothing to eat. It’s better to give time and help those than discuss about issues that we will forget within an hour of talking.

I am not saying that one should not read news. Today we need to filter a lot before giving our attention and time. One of my favourite news application is Finshots, where financial news is simplified. If you read Economic times then the editorial section is always a good read. Also its always better to subscribe to good newsletters and blog post that provide lasting knowledge and insights.

In the age of content,if there are those that report useless news then there are also people who work hard to report good and credible news. We need to find these people and give our time and attention to them.