Why It's Hard to Disconnect From News During Elections

On election day, Israelis are inundated with updates, analyses, and reports, leading to a constant urge to check phones for new information, even when little has changed. This behavior, known as "doomscrolling," stems from a desire to reduce uncertainty and gain a sense of control in ambiguous situations. The more people feel uncertain, the more they seek information, paradoxically increasing anxiety rather than alleviating it.

The article explains that while staying informed is important for understanding reality and making decisions, it becomes problematic when checking the news turns into an automatic habit, regardless of whether there's a specific question to answer. This constant consumption of information, moving between websites, social media, and messaging groups, can fill time that could be used for rest or other activities. Prolonged exposure to news can negatively impact mental well-being, leading to stress, irritability, intrusive thoughts about news events, and a diminished interest in other aspects of life, according to the American Psychological Association.

To manage this, the article suggests setting specific times for checking updates instead of doing so every few minutes. It also recommends turning off non-essential notifications and consciously deciding when enough information has been gathered. Taking short breaks, having screen-free meals, or going outside can help redirect attention to other things. Ultimately, the piece emphasizes the difference between being interested in current events and feeling obligated to follow every detail, suggesting that staying informed doesn't require knowing the very latest headline at all times. Choosing to put the phone down is framed not as giving up on information, but as a deliberate choice about how to invest one's time and attention.