News coverage refers to the reporting or broadcasting of information about events, issues, and individuals. The selection and presentation of news can shape public perceptions and societal discourse, making it an important factor in influencing political decisions and social change. The proximity and prominence of a subject, as well as the nature and impact of the event, all play a role in what is considered newsworthy.
The speed of delivery of news has also changed the way many people receive it. The 24-hour news cycle has pushed media outlets to cover breaking stories quickly, sometimes at the expense of more in-depth reporting. The rise of digital platforms has further increased competition for viewer attention, influencing the type of content that is shared and how it is presented to audiences. This can create tensions between credibility and sensationalism, as some outlets prioritize click-worthy headlines over factual content.
In addition, the ubiquity of news on social media has led to a proliferation of misinformation and false narratives. This has been especially true during the Israel-Hamas conflict, with many Americans receiving their information about the conflict from social media sources rather than US news outlets.
Studies on the psychological impact of news tend to focus on acute, time-limited traumas, such as terrorist attacks or natural disasters. But the continuing impact of the Covid-19 pandemic has led to new concerns, including what experts call “doomscrolling” — the negative effects of continuously scrolling through apocalyptic news feeds.
About the Author
