I Want Information With as Little Manipulation as Possible
Taming the noise of the 24-hour news cycle
As summer winds down, I'm doing some digital spring cleaning.
Although there are things to love about social media, it often feels distracting and noisy to me. I want to be intentional about how and when I spend time on it. No more staring mindlessly into my phone when I have a moment to spare.
My news consumption also needs tweaking. I don't watch the evening news or read the morning paper. My preferred method of news intake is the internet. This leads to many rabbit holes and exposes me to a massive amount of bias and stress. It's a time and energy drain.
The internet knows a lot about us based on our searches, articles we've read, things we've bought, and sites we've visited. Fancy algorithms decide what to show us, and it tends to be what we want to see. Humans are always looking to build a case for what they already believe, and confirmation bias is a real obstacle to progress.
Many politicians and news organizations profit from inflammatory behavior and heavily biased reporting. In my humble opinion, it's terrible for both our country and our mental health.
An Invitation to Filter the Noise
A good place to start is setting up the first screen of your phone in a way that feels good to you.
Suggestions:
Make your background picture something that brings you joy.
Put the most important apps on the first page.
Delete or move any apps that you don't want to spend time on.
Choose center(ish) and balanced news sources.
I chose The Associated Press because it's an independent news agency that reports US and world news. Their site is organized and easy on the eyes, and they don't peddle drama or misinformation.
As I searched for the most unbiased news, AP News came up consistently as a trusted choice.
The Atlantic also made the cut because of the talent and creativity of its writers. It's my go-to for thought-provoking articles on news, politics, culture, technology, health, and more.
The first issue was published in 1857, and its founders included Ralph Waldo Emerson, Herman Melville, Harriet Beecher Stowe, and Nathaniel Hawthorne.
The original mission statement focuses on literature, art, and politics. Of particular interest to me is the take on party politics.
In Politics, The Atlantic will be the organ of no party or clique, but will honestly endeavor to be the exponent of what its conductors believe to be the American idea. It will deal frankly with persons and with parties, endeavoring always to keep in view that moral element which transcends all persons and parties, and which alone makes the basis of a true and lasting national prosperity.
The AP keeps me up to date on current events, and The Atlantic broadens my perspective.
How Will You Spend Your Time and Attention?
If your brain feels like it's been in a blender after time on social media or your heart feels hopeless after doomscrolling, a phone reorganization could be a breath of fresh air.
You could balance your news by reading the "other" side, and this is helpful for seeing contrasts and spins. But for lowering your blood pressure and stress, I recommend finding a respected source or two and ditching the rest. Research your options, and choose what's best for you.
Put what matters up front, and clear out the distractions.
Image by Author
If this appeals to you, join me. Why not start right now?
Here's to less stress and more joy.
Image: Canva Pro
Also published in Better Humans
