News fatigue becomes widespread

After the October 17 demonstrations, the news has been a constant presence on screens and in everyday conversations. This ongoing exposure has led people to question whether they are becoming emotionally numb from the sheer volume of information.

Study reveals public anxiety

According to a study by Harmonie Santé, 60% of French people report feeling anxious when consuming news, and nearly a quarter avoid news media to protect their mental health. This emotional fatigue can lead to a reduced response to distressing events.

Brain adapts to constant stress

The human brain is not built to process continuous waves of dramatic content. When exposed to repeated shocking images, it activates a psychological defense known as emotional habituation. Over time, this can reduce the emotional impact of such content.

Social media accelerates desensitization

Social media platforms contribute to this effect by rapidly switching between intense content and lighter material. A video of a bombing might be followed by a cooking tutorial, blurring the emotional weight of the event. This shift can lead to a normalization of extreme content over time.

Mental hygiene helps manage news intake

To maintain emotional balance, experts suggest regaining control over how and when news is consumed. Setting specific times to check updates, avoiding compulsive scrolling, and relying on credible sources can help reduce the stress of constant news alerts.

Reconnecting with empathy is key

Preserving empathy involves reengaging with the real world through conversations, community involvement, or supporting causes. This helps humanize events often viewed through a screen, allowing emotions to resurface without being overwhelmed by the intensity of the news cycle.