Excessive Exposure: The Alarming Number of Americans Ditching Politics in Desperation

NEW YORK (AP) — When her husband turns on the television to hear news about the upcoming presidential election, that’s often a signal for Lori Johnson Malveaux to leave the room. She’s not avoiding the news entirely, but she definitely is being more selective about what she watches or reads.

This type of news fatigue is becoming more prevalent among Americans, with many people opting to limit their exposure to politics due to increased stress, anxiety, and frustration. According to a recent AP-NORC/USAFacts poll, a significant percentage of people are actively reducing their consumption of political news.

Malveaux is part of a growing demographic that’s having trouble coping with the relentless stream of politics on television, social media, and online news. While being informed is essential, the constant barrage of election news, debates, and analysis can be overwhelming.

Experts say that this fatigue stems from a variety of factors, including the increasingly divisive nature of politics, the 24-hour news cycle, and the saturation of social media platforms with opinions and discussions. As a result, many Americans find themselves feeling burnt out from following politics, leading them to limit their exposure as a coping mechanism.

The survey, conducted by AP-NORC/USAFacts, found that nearly 70% of Americans believe that following politics has a negative impact on their mental health, with the majority citing increased stress, anxiety, and frustration as contributing factors. Furthermore, approximately 50% of respondents admitted to avoiding news coverage or reducing the time they spend consuming politics-related content.

“Politics is just something that weighs on my mind 24/7,” said Malveaux in a phone interview. “I want to stay informed, but it’s starting to take a toll on my mental health. Sometimes, it’s just too much.”

For many Americans, this fatigue has serious implications. Staying informed about current events is crucial for making informed decisions, participating in civic engagement, and contributing to public discussions. However, when news fatigue sets in, people may become disconnected from their civic duties, unintentionally impacting the democratic process and shaping the country’s future.

To cope with news fatigue, experts recommend setting boundaries around news consumption, seeking diverse perspectives, engaging in self-care activities, and finding constructive ways to participate in civic activities beyond just consuming news.

“It’s essential for people to recognize that there’s a fine line between staying informed and overexposure to politics,” said Dr. Jennifer Mercieca, a communications expert at Texas A&M University. “By acknowledging this line and finding strategies to cope, people can reduce their stress levels and become more engaged citizens.”

While Malveaux limits her exposure to politics, she remains committed to staying informed and participating in civic activities. As the country gears up for the upcoming presidential election, it’s clear that Americans must find a balance between being engaged and avoiding burnout – a challenge that requires both individual effort and national dialogue.