Some days, it might feel like the Internet is a room full of people constantly yelling at each other. Whether it's news, entertainment, or social media in general, things seem to make people pretty angry all the time. And everyone hurries to express their opinion on any given thing. All that online noise can become irritating as time goes by. You might start to think then, just as Bo Burnham said in his 2021 (comedy?) special, Inside: "Can anyone shut the f*** up?"
That's why it's important this negative content doesn't drown out the good things that are happening in the world. Whether they're big good news stories or just simple everyday acts of kindness. Why exactly is it important? We asked licensed Psychologist Dr. Nathan Brandon to explain why being constantly bombarded with bad news is not so good for our well-being. He says that the positive content helps do just that – balance out the negativity we see or experience every day.
"Engaging with wholesome or positive content online nurtures our psychological health by providing a sense of balance and perspective amidst all the negativity," Dr. Brandon told Bored Panda. "Our brains have a negativity bias, which means we tend to focus more on negative information and experiences. Therefore, regularly consuming positive content helps counteract this bias and promote a more optimistic outlook."
Dr. Brandon says that seeing positive content online can help us appreciate the beauty in everyday moments more, and it promotes themes of empathy and kindness at the same time. "[It] can elevate our mood, encourage positive thinking, and even inspire us to engage in acts of kindness ourselves," the licensed psychologist observes.
Nowadays, we spend our days glued to the screen. Whether it's a computer at work, a smartphone at lunch, or a television in the evening, we're almost always online. At least that's what 28% of adult Americans told the Pew Research Center in 2019. Many of us would like to do something about it, but talking is always easier than doing it, right? Dr. Nathan Brandon says that people should try to curate their online experience.
"For individuals who find the online environment overwhelming or distressing, it's crucial to adopt strategies that safeguard mental health while enabling them to benefit from the digital world," Dr. Brandon tells Bored Panda. He advises people to consciously pick and choose who they're following.
"Follow accounts that align with your values and [unfollow] toxic or triggering content," he says. "It can also be beneficial to turn off notifications for news stories that may create anxiety so you can read them when you're ready rather than being bombarded with them throughout the day."
Dr. Brandon also recommends practicing mindfulness about how we consume content online. That might help us manage feelings of overwhelm and stress. "Taking breaks, setting time limits, and engaging in self-care activities offline can also help maintain a healthy balance between online and offline life. It's vital to prioritize self-care and offline activities that bring joy and fulfillment," Dr. Brandon says.
For those who like to organize their day to a T, there's one more strategy that Dr. Brandon recommends. He says that 'digital detoxing' can be immensely beneficial.
"Designate certain times of the day or specific days of the week as screen-free, allowing time to reconnect with the physical world and engage in activities like reading, exercise, or spending time in nature," he notes. In other words, some literal touching of grass might benefit your mental health pretty well.
