Tracy looks at the morning's headlines. Students murdered in Nottingham... civilians killed in Ukraine... horrible! She quickly searches for the Positive News website, and sighs with relief. Volunteers saving migrants from the sea... a bombed Gaza bookshop reopening... Iceland protecting whales... France banning plastic packaging for fruit and veg... thank goodness not everything is doom and gloom!

According to a new report by Oxford University's ReutersA major worldwide news agency. Institute, Tracy is typical of many people today. Researchers found that the proportion of those very or extremely interested in the news has dropped from 63% to 48% since 2017. The figure for the UK is even lower: 43%.

The survey, which covers 46 countries, found that young people's interest in particular had plunged. In Ireland, the number of 18-to-24-year-olds with a strong interest has fallen from 53% to 28% since 2016.

Furthermore, 36% of international respondents admitted to sometimes or often actively avoiding the news - up from 29% in 2017. The report says they would rather not be informed about the war in Ukraine or the cost-of-living crisis "as they cut back on depressing news and look to protect their mental health".

One interviewee is quoted as saying: "Turning my back on news is the only way I feel I can cope sometimes." Another said: "Generally I want a lighter tone. It's good for my soul and makes me less anxious." In all, 55% were keen to see more positive news stories.

A key factor seems to have been the pandemic, during which many people found the news too depressing to read. Another is the toxicPoisonous or harmful. debate over issues like trans rights.

A separate report¹ found that nearly 70% of Americans felt overwhelmed by the quantity of news, while 56% felt that it was a significant source of stress in their lives.

Psychologists have coined the term "headline stress disorder". According to one, Jodie Jackson, "It can make us feel helpless, like these problems are just too big to solve... Things lose their shock value and, ultimately, we disengage."

Dr Tal Ben-Shahar, a former professor of psychology at Harvard, agrees: "While I don't recommend burying our heads in the sand and ignoring what is going on around us, we should certainly limit our consumption of bad news and expose ourselves to uplifting content."

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 is "constructive journalism" which focuses on answers to challenging problems: a recent story in Positive News focused on how heat pumps can make a huge difference in reducing carbon emissions.

"Positive information benefits us emotionally, physically, and mentally," argues Dr Ben-Shahar. "It can contribute in a meaningful way to a happier and healthier life."

Some leading news organisations have taken this to heart. Huffington Post has a "Good News" section, while The Guardian sends out a weekly email called The Upside.

Yes: Depressing headlines give a misleading view of the world. Most of what happens today will be decent, brave and uplifting. Experts say positive news can increase happiness and emotional resilience.

No: News is by definition what is extraordinary, so it is only right that sensational stories - which are often alarming - dominate the headlines. We need to know the worst to appreciate the best.

Or... People need more than peace of mind - they need excitement to stimulate them. The news provides that in abundance: just think of the current political battles in Britain and the US.

Reuters - A major worldwide news agency.

Toxic - Poisonous or harmful.