CA, US & World

Experts Warn of News Fatigue in the 24/7 Digital Age

If you’re feeling overwhelmed by a constant barrage of breaking news, social media updates, and endless headlines — you're not alone. Experts say it's a growing phenomenon called news fatigue, and it's affecting more people than ever in the digital age.

“News fatigue is defined as a state of emotional and mental exhaustion,” said Dr. Don Grant, a media psychologist and National Advisor of Healthy Device Management at Newport Healthcare. “It’s caused by consuming or being exposed to a large amount of news, especially negative or distressing news.”

With smartphones in nearly every hand and 24/7 news updates on countless platforms, the line between staying informed and feeling drained is becoming harder to manage. Dr. Grant says the rise of social media has created a constant stream of headlines — often with little context and from questionable sources.

“Every day, there are more platforms supplying us with news — whether it's legitimate or not,” Grant explained.

But he says there are ways to manage news fatigue without disconnecting entirely. The first step? Be intentional about when and how you consume news.

“Limit your exposure,” Grant advised. “Please do not check your news the second you wake up or right before you go to bed. If there’s something unsettling, it could jar your entire day.”

Another key tip: it’s okay to unplug.

“Anything on a digital platform is there forever,” Grant said. “You will miss nothing. You can always take a break.”

The message from experts is clear — you don’t need to consume every headline to stay informed. Taking time to protect your peace of mind may be the healthiest headline of all.

Credit: CNN Newsource

Explore: NBCPalmSprings.com, where we are connecting the Valley.

By: CNN Newsource

July 1, 2025

news fatiguemental healthdigital burnoutDon Grantsocial media stress247 news cycleIvan Rodriguezmedia psychologysmartphone addictionNewport Healthcare
Link Copied To Clipboard!
Latest Instagram Posts
75

Nearly a year after wildfires tore through Mountain Center, the scars are still visible along the Palms to Pines Highway. Now, fire crews are working to repair those burn areas and reduce the risk of flooding, erosion and mudslides when heavy rain arrives. The work includes fire-line suppression repairs, water bars and other measures designed to slow rainwater and keep burned soil from washing away. CAL FIRE Riverside County Battalion Chief Ryan Lubin says the steep terrain, dry brush and limited access continue to create challenges for mountain communities. With El Niño conditions expected to bring periods of heavy rain, officials say preparing now could help protect homes and communities from the aftermath of wildfire. The message from firefighters: preparation can save lives. Read the full story at NBCPalmSprings.com. #MountainCenter #Highway74 #PalmsToPines #CALFIRE #Wildfire WildfireRecovery FireSafety CoachellaValley SanJacintoMountains

19

Gas prices in Riverside County are climbing toward $6 a gallon — and that’s more than $1 higher than this time last year. A 15-gallon fill-up now costs about $86, leaving many drivers wondering how much longer they can absorb the rising cost. On this week’s Roggin Report, Fred Roggin and the panel debate how expensive gas is changing the way people travel, work and live — and why prices are so much higher here. Watch the full conversation at NBCPalmSprings.com. #RogginReport #FredRoggin #GasPrices #RiversideCounty #CoachellaValley

61

As the Lindsay Clancy trial begins to close, discussions regarding postpartum mental health and postpartum care have began to draw attention to the level of care needed after childbirth. Maria Noble Valdez looked at this discussion locally with a mental health expert and mom here in Coachella Valley. #lindsayclancytrial #pospartum #mentalhealth #760 #nationalnews

51

EVEN PARKING HAS A VIP SECTION? A mall in Bakersfield is charging shoppers up to $10 a day for preferred parking spots closer to the entrance. So we had to ask: Would you pay for a better parking spot? And could paid parking eventually come to Valley malls? Fred Roggin and the panel weigh in on this week’s Roggin Report. Would you pay $10 for a prime parking spot? #RogginReport #FredRoggin #CoachellaValley #PalmSprings #Parking

8

📞 Call 760.466.0800 or visit DAPHealth.org to schedule your appointment today! Flu viruses change every year, and getting vaccinated is the best way to strengthen your immune system, lower the risk of severe illness or hospitalization, and protect your loved ones. Sponsored by: DAP Health

373

A wedding day they’ll never forget. 💍🌊 A couple in the Philippines refused to let monsoon flooding wash away their special day — exchanging vows while standing waist-deep in floodwaters. Talk about making a splash on your wedding day! #WeddingDay #Philippines #Flooding #Monsoon #Wedding #Love #NBCPalmSprings

144

Idyllwild’s Mayor Max III is turning four! Yes, you read that right — Idyllwild has a canine mayor, and Mayor Maximus Mighty-Dog Mueller III is celebrating his fourth birthday this week. Max is part of a tradition that began in 2012, when the mountain community first elected a dog as mayor. His “campaign donations”? Belly rubs and dog treats. Mayor Max’s birthday celebration is happening Saturday, September 5, at Mountain Paws in Idyllwild, and the community is invited. Come celebrate the mayor — and maybe bring a treat. #NBCPalmSprings #Idyllwild #MayorMax #MayorMaxIII #PalmSprings CoachellaValley DogsOfInstagram DogMayor CaliforniaNews

27

☕️ Social Time with Thalia & Jerry

156

More than 2,000 rescues — and the year isn’t over yet. Santa Clemente lifeguards are keeping a close eye on the Pacific as they prepare for potentially stronger surf and bigger waves this winter. From Tower Zero, lifeguards monitor the entire beach and use cameras to spot trouble in the water. One of their biggest concerns? Rip currents, which can pull swimmers far from shore. With more rescues already this year than all of last year, lifeguards say the key is simple: be ready before someone needs help. #SanClemente #Lifeguards #OceanSafety #RipCurrents #BeachSafety SurfSafety SouthernCalifornia PacificOcean NBCPalmSprings

352

The Salton Sea is at a crossroads. From a massive restoration project bringing habitat back to the shoreline, to a potential lithium boom, and the new Salton Sea Conservancy, its future is being shaped right now. We’re taking you behind the scenes to explore what comes next for the Salton Sea. In our newest 30-minute report, go behind-the-scenes with the state’s conservation team, learn about updated timlines from lithium executives, and hear how former political leaders paved the way. Restoring the Salton Sea: Progress, Promise and Pressure. Streaming this Sunday on NBC Palm Springs. #saltonsea #lithiumvalley #saltonseaconservancy #marybono

Experts Warn of News Fatigue in the 24/7 Digital Age