Overwhelmed by the News?
Are you finding the daily news overwhelming? Unsure which messages you can trust? Does scrolling social media sometimes feel like wandering through a jungle?
If you answered “yes” to any of these questions, welcome to modern life. The way we receive news has changed dramatically. The daily news cycle has become the news of the minute, delivered continuously from countless sources.
According to Pew Research , a large majority of U.S. adults (86%) say they sometimes get news from a smartphone, computer, or tablet — and 56% say they do so often. Digital devices are now the most common way Americans receive news. Television still plays a major role, with 64% getting news from TV at least sometimes and 32% often — a figure that has remained fairly steady in recent years. Meanwhile, fewer Americans rely on other traditional formats. In 2025, only 11% of adults often got news from radio, and just 7% from printed newspapers or magazines.
Local news is vitally important
We should be reminded that, along with local television, these outlets remain the most trusted sources of local news and information. It is vitally important that communities make a conscious effort to support and sustain these local news sources.
In a Fragmented News World, Who Do You Trust? That’s the critical question. Several organizations attempt to evaluate media bias. It is also helpful to know where our favorite news sources fit in the political spectrum. This helps us to better understand our potential blind spots. We have found two to be helpful (though there are certainly others):
AllSides publishes a media bias chart placing major outlets along a spectrum from very liberal to very conservative. If we find we are consistently getting the news from one side of the political spectrum, we are likely not getting a full side of the stories we follow.
Media Bias/Fact Check offers similar analysis, rating news organizations, scientific sites, conspiracy sites — and even fact-checking organizations themselves. This site gives a much more detailed analysis of the various media sources. However, please note: The free version includes many ads. Ad-free paid subscriptions are available—something that is likely more useful for professionals than casual readers.
There are, of course, other evaluators. One important takeaway: according to these analysts, every media source carries some degree of bias. Understanding bias helps build a more balanced news diet and reduces the risk of being pulled in by misleading clickbait.
Tools That Help Make Sense of the News
Consuming today’s news can feel like drinking from a fire hose. Many people simply don’t have the time, or emotional energy, to keep up. Fortunately, several services aim to simplify and add context to major stories. Here are a few we include in our own media diet.
Tangle summarizes one major story each day, explaining how conservative and liberal outlets cover it, followed by its own analysis. We find it helpful for quickly understanding competing perspectives and appreciate its effort to cut through political hype—a practice worth emulating.
The DONUT highlights selected major stories from multiple political viewpoints, while also including lighter and positive news. It’s a quick read and a good way to start the day informed without feeling overwhelmed.
Ground News takes a broader approach, showing how much coverage stories receive across the political spectrum—revealing what different audiences emphasize or ignore. It often exposes stories we would otherwise miss and helps us recognize our own biases.
Is It Okay to Turn Off the News?
Some people choose to avoid the news entirely. While that can be difficult in work or social settings, periodic breaks can be important for mental health. A “news-free vacation” can be surprisingly restorative. For most people, a balanced approach works best.
Practical Tips for Healthier News Consumption
- Choose a few relatively least-biased sources as your primary outlets for national and global news
- Maintain a solid connection with local news sources
- Fact-check major stories that affect you personally
- Use a “3-D” news source that presents multiple viewpoints
- Avoid impulsively liking or sharing news on social media
- Keep events in perspective — the news is important, but it is not everything.
That last point may be the most important. There are far more meaningful things in life than headlines. Don’t miss them.