What Could Go Right? Turning Down the Headline Noise
Oct 8, 2025
Zachary and Emma explore how to navigate the noise of negative headlines while focusing on hopeful conversations. They discuss the importance of controlling social media algorithms to protect mental health and finding a balance in news intake. The duo emphasizes the value of personal connections and local life as a remedy to political overwhelm. They also touch on how historical perspectives can ease present fears and celebrate signs of global progress, including international cooperation and scientific advancements.
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Control Your News Diet
- Remove news and politics from social media or tightly control what you follow to protect your mental health.
- Train your algorithm or check a publisher's page directly instead of allowing a 'for you' feed to decide your news diet.
Algorithms Favor Agitation
- Algorithms maximize short-term attention, surfacing the most agitating or engaging content by design.
- You can deliberately shape your feed, but the default incentives favor outrage, gossip, and sales.
Harness Algorithms Wisely
- Use positive emotions like awe or curiosity to craft social posts that still succeed on algorithms.
- But be skeptical of undisclosed political payments and influencer lobbying that distort incentives.