Türkiye’s mental health crisis mirrors global news fatigue

Recent research shows that in a time marked by unprecedented global turmoil, more people are turning away from the news. The latest Reuters Institute report reveals that nearly 39% of people worldwide now actively avoid the news, a significant increase from 29% in 2017. Wars in Ukraine and the Middle East contribute to this aversion, with individuals describing the news as “depressing, relentless, and boring.”

The Reuters Institute’s findings reflect the emotional toll of continuous exposure to distressing news. The report’s lead author Nic Newman noted, “It’s a fairly natural reaction for people to turn away from the news, whether it’s to protect their mental health or simply wanting to get on with the rest of their lives.”

The report shows that women and younger people are particularly prone to feeling overwhelmed by the volume of news.

How it affects mental health of Turkish people?

This phenomenon isn’t isolated to global statistics. In Türkiye, the Ipsos Mental Health Report 2024 reveals a concerning rise in mental health issues.

The report, commissioned by the German insurance company AXA, shows that 38% of the Turkish population suffers from mental health disorders such as depression, anxiety, and eating disorders.

This figure places Türkiye second only to the United States, where 40% of people are affected.

The Ipsos report reflects the intergenerational aspect of mental health challenges, particularly among young people. In Türkiye, 43% of 18-24-year-olds report having a mental illness.

The rise in psychiatric conditions among young adults is alarming and parallels trends seen in other countries like Ireland and the United States. The report states, “Depression and anxiety disorders are particularly prevalent among younger populations, indicating a growing public health crisis.”

In Türkiye, the mental health crisis is exacerbated by inadequate access to effective psychiatric care. The Turkish Mental Health Profile study indicated that 17.2% of the population has some form of mental illness, yet many go untreated.

This gap emphasizes the need for updated research and improved mental health services. Furthermore, a significant increase in mental health issues was noted in Türkiye from 2023 to 2024, with an 8% rise in psychiatric conditions, emphasizing the growing need for effective interventions.

Shifting news consumption patterns worldwide

BBC’s analysis of the report mentions that traditional news sources have seen a decline, with younger audiences shifting to online platforms and social media for news consumption. This shift is particularly pronounced in the U.K., where 73% of people get their news online.

Platforms like TikTok have surged in popularity, especially among the 18-24 demographic. The reliance on digital media and the preference for video content are transforming how news is consumed. However, this shift also poses challenges for traditional newsrooms rooted in text-based reporting.

Nic Newman commented on this shift, saying, “Consumers are adopting video because it is easy to use and provides a wide range of relevant and engaging content. But many traditional newsrooms are still rooted in a text-based culture and are struggling to adapt their storytelling.”

This transition is not only about preference but also about accessibility and engagement. Younger audiences prefer short, engaging videos over lengthy articles, which influences how news organizations deliver content.

In Türkiye, the mental health crisis ties into this shift in media consumption. The overlap between news consumption habits and mental health issues is evident. The increasing trend of news avoidance, driven by the desire to escape the relentless stream of negative news, mirrors the rising rates of mental health disorders in Türkiye.

Strategies for news organizations

As news organizations adapt to changing consumption patterns, there is an opportunity to better support mental health. The Reuters report suggests, “Strategies that publishers consider very important to counter these trends include better explanation of complex stories, more solutions-oriented or constructive approaches to storytelling, and more inspirational human stories.”

By focusing on positive and constructive news, organizations can help reduce news fatigue and make news consumption a less stressful experience.

Additionally, integrating AI to improve news distribution and personalize content may provide a more engaging and less overwhelming news experience. This approach can help tailor news to individual preferences, making it easier for audiences to engage with content that interests them without feeling overwhelmed.

The report also emphasizes the need for news organizations to embrace new technologies and platforms. By leveraging AI and digital platforms, news organizations can reach younger audiences more effectively and provide content that is both engaging and informative.

The global trend of news avoidance and the rising mental health issues in Türkiye reflect broader societal challenges. By understanding these trends and implementing thoughtful strategies, news organizations can play a pivotal role in addressing the mental health crisis while adapting to the evolving media landscape.