News coverage is information about current events that can be found in newspapers, magazines, radio and television. This includes reporting on political upheavals, natural disasters, and other major public incidents.
In general, people see the media as an important source of information. This is particularly true during crisis and emergencies, when the news media can play an essential role in disseminating knowledge, raising awareness, and shaping individuals’ attitudes and behaviors.
While the percentage of Americans who often or sometimes get their news from TV and print publications has remained fairly steady, many Americans now also regularly receive news on digital devices, including smartphones and tablets. Among these sites, the most popular is YouTube (used by 58% of adults who get their news on digital devices), followed by Facebook (25%), and Twitter (18%). Smaller shares of Americans regularly receive news on Snapchat, TikTok, X, Instagram and Reddit.
It can be difficult to limit our exposure to the news, but reducing how much we consume can help reduce negative effects on mental health. One strategy is to find sources of news that prioritize accuracy and balance. It can also help to think about the impact of different types of media, such as video versus written content. For example, video can be more emotionally arousing than written content. In addition, it can be helpful to consider whether the news you are consuming is affecting your feelings and emotions. It is also important to remember that not all news is created equal and some is more biased or negative than others.