[barbazoo]

It depends in my experience on what "news" we're talking about and the depth of the information. Almost all I'm seeing online is made to engage and engage people, some more and some less, and that definitely matches what parent is describing. Maybe you're talking about different kinds of content.

I stopped consuming "news" i.e. CBC, CNN, Guardian, and the likes two months ago and I feel objectively happier and spend less time endlessly refreshing the page. I read the occasional in depth article because I feel like it doesn't have quite the same effect.

[float4]

I agree. As with so many things in life: news can make you miserable, but if you take the right approach it doesn't have to make you miserable.

[Tempest1981]

That's why I enjoy tech and business news. And it's safe to discuss with co-workers of differing political persuasions.

Sports and TV can work too.