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Phone users, bombarded by news alerts, are switching them off, study shows | CNN Business

The article from CNN, published on June 20, 2025, titled "News Alerts Disable: Reuters Study Finds Alarming Trends in News Consumption," delves into a comprehensive study conducted by Reuters Institute for the Study of Journalism. The study, which spans multiple countries and demographics, reveals significant shifts in how people consume news and the impact of news alerts on their mental health and overall news engagement. The article provides a detailed analysis of the findings, implications for the media industry, and potential strategies to address the issues identified.

The Reuters study, titled "Digital News Report 2025," surveyed over 90,000 people across 46 countries, making it one of the most extensive analyses of news consumption patterns to date. The primary focus of the study was to understand the role of news alerts in shaping public perception and behavior towards news. The findings indicate a troubling trend: an increasing number of people are choosing to disable news alerts on their devices due to the overwhelming nature of constant notifications.

According to the study, approximately 68% of respondents reported feeling overwhelmed by the volume of news alerts they receive daily. This sentiment was particularly strong among younger demographics, with 74% of respondents aged 18-24 expressing a desire to reduce or completely disable news notifications. The study attributes this trend to the rise of "news fatigue," a phenomenon where individuals feel mentally exhausted by the continuous stream of news updates.

The article highlights that news fatigue is not just a matter of annoyance but has deeper psychological implications. The constant barrage of news alerts, often containing distressing or anxiety-inducing content, contributes to heightened levels of stress and anxiety among consumers. The study found that 55% of respondents who frequently received news alerts reported higher levels of anxiety compared to those who did not. This correlation between news alerts and mental health has prompted experts to call for a reevaluation of how news is delivered to the public.

In addition to the psychological impact, the study also examined the effect of news alerts on overall news engagement. Contrary to the belief that frequent notifications would keep users engaged, the data suggests that the opposite is true. The study found that 42% of respondents who disabled news alerts reported feeling more engaged with news content when they chose to seek it out themselves. This finding challenges the traditional model of push notifications and suggests that a more user-controlled approach to news consumption might be more effective.

The article also discusses the implications of these findings for the media industry. As more people choose to disable news alerts, media organizations face the challenge of finding new ways to reach their audiences. The study suggests that media companies should focus on quality over quantity, prioritizing in-depth, well-researched articles over the rapid dissemination of breaking news. This shift could help alleviate news fatigue and improve the overall quality of news consumption.

Furthermore, the article explores potential strategies that media companies could adopt to address the issues identified in the study. One recommendation is the implementation of customizable notification settings, allowing users to tailor the types of news alerts they receive based on their interests and preferences. Another suggestion is the use of AI-driven algorithms to filter out redundant or less relevant news, ensuring that users receive only the most important updates.

The study also emphasizes the importance of transparency and trust in news reporting. With the rise of misinformation and fake news, many respondents expressed a desire for more reliable and trustworthy sources. The article notes that media organizations that prioritize fact-checking and transparency are more likely to retain their audience's trust and engagement.

In addition to these strategies, the article discusses the role of social media in news consumption. The study found that while social media remains a significant source of news for many, particularly younger users, the platforms are also contributing to the spread of news fatigue. The constant stream of news updates on social media, often mixed with personal content and advertisements, can be overwhelming for users. The article suggests that social media companies should consider implementing features that allow users to better manage their news intake, such as customizable feeds and notification settings.

The article also touches on the broader societal implications of the study's findings. As news consumption patterns shift, there is a risk that important information may not reach the public effectively. The study recommends that governments and public health organizations consider alternative methods of communication, such as targeted campaigns and community outreach, to ensure that critical information is disseminated effectively.

In conclusion, the CNN article provides a comprehensive overview of the Reuters Institute's study on news consumption and the impact of news alerts. The findings highlight the growing problem of news fatigue and its psychological and behavioral effects on consumers. The article calls for a reevaluation of how news is delivered and consumed, suggesting that media organizations, social media platforms, and governments must adapt to these changing patterns to ensure that the public remains informed and engaged. The study's insights offer valuable guidance for the media industry as it navigates the challenges of the digital age.

Read the Full CNN Article at:
[ https://www.cnn.com/2025/06/20/media/news-alerts-disable-reuters-study-intl ]