podcastsinenglish Level 3.123 No news is good news
Feb 18, 2016
Why are news headlines often so dark? The hosts explore how negative stories can make us feel helpless, prompting some to avoid the news entirely. They highlight that bad news is sudden and dramatic, while positive changes, like the decline in Ebola infections, often go unnoticed. Global poverty has dropped significantly over the years, yet remains underreported. China's shift to renewable energy represents another bright development rarely covered. The call for more uplifting news resonates as they invite listeners to share positive stories.
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News Consumption Can Cause Helplessness
- Regular exposure to news often leaves people feeling helpless and depressed about events beyond their control.
- The hosts suggest that avoiding constant news consumption can improve mood but acknowledge it's not always possible.
Bad News Is Newsworthy Because It's Sudden
- Bad news typically makes headlines because it is sudden and dramatic, while good news unfolds slowly and lacks drama.
- This timing and drama imbalance explains why uplifting developments get less coverage.
Ebola's Decline Got Little Attention
- The hosts use the Ebola outbreak as an example of prolonged bad coverage that later became positive when the virus was largely defeated.
- They note that the eventual defeat of Ebola received far less headline attention than the crisis phase.