[nitemice]

I take your point, but I disagree.

Ignoring the news, and just expecting the "important" stuff to magically penetrate is a great way to live in wilful ignorance, and/or let people/governments/corporations get away with a lot of bad stuff that others around you have deemed insignificant.

I could probably name half a dozen things off the top of my head that would affect your opinion or behaviour towards various things in your daily life, that you aren't aware of because they aren't considered "important" enough. And I guess if you're okay with indirectly supporting workplace sexual abuse, money laundering, unsustainable work and management abuse, the erosion of civil rights, and destruction of the environments, then sure, I guess it's not important.

[koonsolo]

So how is you watching the news going to solve all these last things that you mention? I also don't watch the news. Do you really think we don't know those things are happening?

News is entertainment. If you really want to get smarter, read books from people who are experts in their field.

Edit: if you do want to read a book, start with "Trust me, I'm lying". It will give you a whole new perspective on news reporting.

[xmprt]

If something isn't actionable then is it worth taking up your attention? I agree with you that some news is worth consuming but that's only because I occasionally discuss it with friends.

[nitemice]

I agree. If it's not actionable, then it's just adding to the doom. But not all of it is not actionable. And you definitely can't take actions based on information you don't have. Even just telling your friends about it is arguably action, because while it's not actionable to you, maybe it is to them, or maybe it's something you can take action on as a group.

Obviously finding a balance is essential, so you can be well informed and reactive, but also not drown in doom. I'll admit: it's a balance I haven't found, but I firmly believe living in a metaphorical hole isn't going to make anything better.