Reading the news is the new smoking

9 hours ago

The author quit reading news in 2020, which improved mental well-being and reduced anger.
Reading news is compared to smoking: harmful to the consumer and those nearby, causing anxiety and outrage.
News often contains factual errors and distorts perception of reality, making rare events seem common.
Many news stories are fleeting and unimportant, wasting time that could be spent on meaningful activities.
Alternatives to news include reading books, blogs, and engaging in personal relationships or hobbies.
Arguments for reading news (e.g., being informed, democratic duty) are countered as inefficient or misleading.
The author advocates for 'mind-gardening': filtering out harmful content to foster mental health and productivity.
Local news may still be valuable for community information, unlike national/international news.
Harm reduction strategies, like limiting news consumption, are suggested for those struggling to quit entirely.
Personal activism and focusing on one's immediate circle are presented as more effective ways to make a difference.

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