A Nation Exhausted: The Neuroscience of Why Americans Are Tuning Out Politics
As the 2024 U.S. presidential election approaches, many Americans are disengaging from politics due to exhaustion. Research shows a significant rise in political fatigue, with fear, information bubbles, and identity politics identified as major contributing factors. Overexposure to negative news disrupts mental health, leading to feelings of helplessness and burnout. Stepping back from political news may be a necessary remedy for many.
The upcoming 2024 U.S. presidential election is stirring a surprising trend: many Americans are tuning out politics entirely. A conversation with a patient revealed she had stopped following the news altogether, echoing findings from a local TV appearance where I noted fewer political yard signs this cycle. As a psychiatrist specialising in anxiety, I often urged my patients to cut down on political news, which only served to exacerbate their stress levels.
Recent years display a notable change. Many are opting for minimal news consumption, often limit themselves to a single hour of political programming. According to Pew research from 2020, 66% of Americans felt overwhelmed by political stress, while those not following the news reported an even higher fatigue rate of 73%. By 2023, a staggering 80% described U.S. politics in negative terms like “divisive” and “polarised.”
Three key factors, I believe, contribute to this political exhaustion among the populace. Firstly, fear plays a significant role; politicians and media utilise it to keep us engaged, often pushing the narrative that fosters tribalism. This heightened sense of us versus them makes it easier for Americans to turn against each other, breeding hate and division, rather than productive debate.
Secondly, society is increasingly trapped in information bubbles, leading to a skewed political reality. Those glued to networks like Fox News or MSNBC often feel as if they’re hearing from entirely different worlds. Social media algorithms can amplify this disconnect, filtering content to only show members perspectives aligned with their own, while portraying the “other side” in negative light.
Lastly, political views have morphed into identity markers. A changing political landscape has eroded the understanding that opposing parties can still have good intentions. A 2022 Pew survey revealed that many Americans equate political opinions with character, leading to intense moral judgement of opposing party members.
Psychological research further explains this phenomenon. Fear, a deeply embedded survival trait, increases focus on perceived threats. As individuals consume fear-based content, they become desensitised to neutral or positive news, which feels irrelevant to their survival instincts. However, sustained fear can lead to what’s known as “learned helplessness.”
The pivotal experiments on learned helplessness, like those by psychologist Martin Seligman, showed how once creatures find they can’t control negative experiences, they often stop trying altogether. If they consistently perceive their circumstances as unmanageable, such as endless political strife or public health crises, despair can take over.
The COVID-19 pandemic alongside years of political chaos have made many feel helpless and disengaged. If you’re feeling politically exhausted, it’s important to know you’re not alone, and stepping back from the incessant noise may be a healthy option.
Original Source: theconversation.com
