As global conflicts, political unrest and distressing imagery dominate 24-hour news cycles, an RMIT journalism expert is reminding Australians to stay informed — but not at the expense of their mental health.
Professor Alexandra Wake, from RMIT’s School of Media and Communication, said while access to constant news updates is a hallmark of modern democracy, it can also be overwhelming.
“We are very lucky in Australia to be one of the world’s 29 functioning democracies,” Professor Wake said. “But democracy only works when citizens play a role in ensuring they are informed, from trusted and credible news sources, about what is going on.”
She said many people confuse social media with traditional public service journalism, but the two are not the same. “It’s worth avoiding social media if you have any kind of anxiety about the world,” she said.
Professor Wake warned that consuming rolling coverage of traumatic events can heighten stress and anxiety. “Being part of civil society means staying informed, but that doesn’t mean anyone needs to watch 24/7 news or spend all day watching war coverage,” she said. “Fortunately, there are plenty of ways to access credible news without overloading on traumatic material.”
She said traditional public news organisations aim to provide balanced reporting and avoid showing the most graphic content. For those seeking a healthier way to stay informed, she recommended signing up for daily newsletters, reading print newspapers, or tuning into youth-focused programs such as the ABC’s Behind the News (BTN).
“We have a responsibility as Australians to take part in society, and that means making decisions about the quality of the news we consume,” Professor Wake said. “We are fortunate to have reliable public service news outlets that provide trusted information.”
Professor Wake, Program Manager for the Graduate Diploma in Journalism at RMIT University, is an experienced journalist, educator and researcher with a focus on policy, governance and the role of media in democracy.
