How to follow the news without feeling overwhelmed or misled

News is useful, but a never-ending stream of alerts can drain you. Staying informed does not mean checking your phone every five minutes.

Choose a few reliable sources

Pick a small number of outlets that explain where their information comes from, correct mistakes and separate reports from opinion. Add one source from outside your usual view to widen your picture.

Set fixed times

Check the news at two or three set times a day, such as morning and evening. Turn off non-urgent alerts so that headlines do not interrupt your work or sleep.

Read beyond the headline

Headlines are written to get clicks. Read the whole report and look for who said what, which facts are confirmed and what is still unknown.

Notice your reaction

If a story makes you instantly angry or afraid, pause. That is when people share things too quickly. Ask: Who is behind this? Is it confirmed by more than one reliable source?

Separate news from chat forwards

Messages that say "forward to everyone" or that have no source are often wrong. Do not share until you have checked.

Look after your mind

Take breaks from bad news, especially before bed. Talk to someone you trust and spend time on things that restore you. Being informed and being calm can go together.

Written by the EarnNaija team at EarnNaija Digital Technologies.

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