Do we need more happy stories? Less than half the world takes a lot of interest in the news. Some say newspapers should change.
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News has become too depressing says study
Do we need more happy stories? Less than half the world takes a lot of interest in the news. Some say newspapers should change.
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What's happening?
Tracy looks at the morning's headlines. People dying in wars... Floods destroying homes... horrible! She quickly searches for the Positive News website. At last some good news! Iceland are protecting whales!
According to a new report by Oxford UniversityA famous, ancient university in England. There is evidence of teaching as early as 1096, making it the oldest university in the English-speaking world. , many people feel like Tracy. Researchers found that only 43% of people in the UK say they are very or extremelyVery. interested in the news.
The survey, which covers 46 countries, found that young people's interest in the news is very low. In Ireland, only 28% of 18-24-year-olds have a strong interest in the news.
On top of that, 36% of people say they sometimes or often avoidKeep away from something. the news - up from 29% in 2017.
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In all, 55% wanted to see more good news stories.
Expert Dr Tal Ben-Shahar says it is important not to look at too much bad news and look at some good news instead sometimes.
This could take either of two forms. First, there are the feelgood stories about people doing kind or funny things, or cute videos of animals. Secondly, there are stories which focus on answers to difficult problems, such as climate changeLong-term shifts in temperatures and weather patterns. Human action is a major cause of climate change..
Looking at good news can make us happier and healthier, says Dr Ben-Shahar.
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Do we need more happy stories?
Yes! Most of the things that happen in the world each day are good. And good news stories make us happier people.
No! We need to know about what is happening in the world, even when it is bad. That way, we can act to make things better.
Keywords
Oxford University - A famous, ancient university in England. There is evidence of teaching as early as 1096, making it the oldest university in the English-speaking world.
Extremely - Very.
Avoid - Keep away from something.
Climate change - Long-term shifts in temperatures and weather patterns. Human action is a major cause of climate change.
News has become too depressing says study
Glossary
Oxford University - A famous, ancient university in England. There is evidence of teaching as early as 1096, making it the oldest university in the English-speaking world.
Extremely - Very.
Avoid - Keep away from something.
Climate change - Long-term shifts in temperatures and weather patterns. Human action is a major cause of climate change.