How Watching Too Much Political Television Can Impact Your Mental Health
How Watching Too Much Political Television Can Impact Your Mental Health
In today’s 24-hour news cycle, political television dominates many households, offering non-stop coverage, debates, and commentary. While staying informed is important, excessive political TV consumption can negatively impact your mental health, increasing anxiety and depression. The constant exposure to intense discussions, conflict-driven narratives, and alarming headlines can create a heightened sense of stress and overwhelm. Let’s explore how watching political news too often affects your well-being and how you can protect yourself from its adverse effects.
The Link Between Media Consumption and Mental Health
Research shows that excessive media consumption, especially involving emotionally charged or polarizing content like political news, can exacerbate feelings of stress, anxiety, and depression. A 2020 study revealed that frequent exposure to distressing news significantly heightened individuals’ stress levels, leading to adverse mental health outcomes (Holman et al., 2020). Many political TV shows thrive on sensationalism, with dramatic reporting that activates our “fight or flight” stress response.
When you watch heated political debates or alarming news stories, your brain releases cortisol, the stress hormone. Chronic exposure to stress-inducing content disrupts your body’s natural equilibrium, leaving you feeling more restless and anxious. This cycle makes it harder to focus, sleep, and process emotions, contributing to mental health issues like generalized anxiety disorder and major depressive disorder.
The Role of Negativity Bias in Political News
Humans are naturally wired to focus on negative information—a psychological phenomenon known as negativity bias. Political television often capitalizes on this, amplifying divisive issues, conflicts, and worst-case scenarios. While this keeps viewers engaged, it also creates a distorted perception of reality, making the world seem more chaotic or dangerous than it actually is.
For individuals already prone to mental health conditions, the constant barrage of negative information can intensify feelings of hopelessness. Instead of feeling informed and empowered, you may feel helpless or overwhelmed, withdrawing from political discussions or avoiding news altogether.
Political Polarization and Its Impact on Social Relationships
Another significant consequence of watching too much political TV is its effect on social relationships. Media outlets often amplify political polarization, reinforcing an “us vs. them” mentality. This dynamic can lead to strained relationships with family, friends, or coworkers who hold different political views.
This stress from political conflicts can leave you feeling isolated, particularly if you avoid social interactions to prevent arguments. Social disconnection and loneliness are major risk factors for depression, making it essential to recognize how political media might be influencing your relationships.
Doomscrolling and Emotional Exhaustion
Beyond the television screen, many of us also consume political content on social media, where “doomscrolling” becomes an additional challenge. This habit of endlessly scrolling through negative or anxiety-provoking content reinforces the stress caused by political television, creating a loop of emotional exhaustion. Research has shown that constant exposure to distressing news leads to burnout, emotional numbing, and a sense of despair (Pew Research Center, 2021).
How to Protect Your Mental Health
While it’s important to stay informed, maintaining a healthy relationship with political media is crucial for mental health. Here are some evidence-based strategies to reduce its adverse effects:
1. Set Boundaries with Political News
Limit the amount of time you spend watching political news. Instead of tuning in for hours, choose specific times of the day to catch up. Studies suggest that consuming the news once or twice a day—rather than constantly—can reduce stress and improve overall mood (Thompson et al., 2019).
2. Seek Balanced News Sources
Not all political TV networks are created equal. Look for credible news outlets that prioritize balanced reporting over sensationalism or conflict-driven narratives. This can help you stay informed without becoming emotionally overwhelmed.
3. Practice Mindfulness
Mindfulness techniques, like deep breathing or meditation, can help you stay present and reduce the emotional impact of distressing news. When watching political television, take regular breaks to reflect and ground yourself.
4. Engage in Meaningful Action
Combat feelings of helplessness by channeling your energy into constructive actions. Volunteer for a cause, write to your local representatives, or join a community group. Taking tangible steps can help you feel more empowered and less overwhelmed by political issues.
5. Prioritize Social Connections
Instead of letting political polarization strain relationships, focus on maintaining healthy communication with loved ones. Building strong social bonds is a protective factor against anxiety and depression, even during politically charged times.
6. Take Breaks from News Consumption
Give yourself permission to step away from the constant influx of political media. Taking a day, week, or longer off can help you reset emotionally and regain perspective.
Finding Balance in Political Media Consumption
Political television has its place, but overexposure can take a serious toll on your mental health, increasing anxiety, depression, and social stress. By setting boundaries, seeking balanced sources, and prioritizing mental health practices, you can stay informed without compromising your well-being.
Remember, protecting your mental health isn’t about ignoring the world—it’s about navigating it with balance, perspective, and resilience. Take steps to reduce your exposure to stress-inducing political content and focus on activities that promote your emotional and physical well-being.
Your mental health matters. Don’t let excessive political TV consumption dictate how you feel. Step back, reset, and engage with the world in a healthier, more empowering way.
References
Holman, E. A., Garfin, D. R., & Silver, R. C. (2020). Media’s role in broadcasting acute stress following the Boston Marathon bombings. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, 111(1), 93–98.
Pew Research Center. (2021). News fatigue and its effects on mental health. Retrieved from www.pewresearch.org.
Thompson, R. R., Jones, N. M., Holman, E. A., & Silver, R. C. (2019). Media exposure to mass violence events can fuel a cycle of distress. Science Advances, 5(4), eaav2932.