Media Overexposure: How Constant News Consumption Can Lead to Desensitization and Normalization of Distress
In today’s media landscape, it’s easy to become desensitized to distressing events. Amanda Ruggeri delves into the psychology behind this phenomenon and explores strategies to prevent it.
When people talk about “normalizing” something in 2024, it’s often with a positive connotation. On social media and elsewhere, there are calls to normalize a range of topics, from postpartum bodies to discussing mental health in the workplace. The goal is to break down taboos that can be harmful or limiting.
However, there’s another type of normalization that many people are unaware of—one that is more insidious and potentially damaging. This is the normalization of trends, situations, and events that should not be considered normal at all. This process, also known as desensitization or habituation, can have negative effects on individuals and society as a whole.
Consider the ongoing wars in Ukraine and Israel-Gaza. The initial shock of these conflicts captured global attention. However, as time has passed, media coverage has waned, and these events are no longer front-page news. Studies suggest that prolonged conflicts lose their impact over time, leading to a normalization of violence.
This desensitization also applies to everyday life. Individuals who grow up in environments where violence is common may come to view such behavior as normal. Similarly, people may become less anxious about issues like Covid-19 as the death toll rises, indicating a form of habituation to negative events.
Research also shows that individuals can become habituated to their own negative behavior. For example, individuals who repeatedly lie to gain financial advantage may find that their lies become more frequent and larger in scale over time.
The key takeaway is that exposure to anything, whether positive or negative, can lead to normalization. While this adaptability is a natural human trait, it can also have detrimental effects, particularly when it comes to accepting negative behaviors or events as normal.
To avoid becoming desensitized, experts recommend consuming news more mindfully. This includes diversifying your news sources and seeking out different perspectives on the same issue. It’s also important to take action, even small steps, to resist normalization and promote positive change.
Ultimately, while it’s important to adapt to new circumstances, it’s equally important to remain vigilant and question what is being presented as normal. By doing so, we can avoid the pitfalls of desensitization and work towards a more informed and compassionate society.
