The Neuroscience Behind Political Burnout in America
A growing number of Americans are experiencing political burnout ahead of the 2024 election, with many limiting their news consumption as a coping mechanism. Key factors fueling this exhaustion include the politics of fear, information bubbles that distort understanding, and the intertwining of political views with personal identities. Psychological insights reveal that overwhelming fear leads to disengagement and feelings of helplessness, amplified by years of stress from various societal issues.
A significant number of Americans are experiencing political burnout, as revealed by conversations with patients and research findings. With the 2024 U.S. presidential election nearing, many are simply tuning out, opting instead for limited news consumption. This change, notably from the five hours a day of news many previously consumed, underscores a collective exhaustion that researchers have documented.
A Pew study in 2020 found that 66% of Americans said political stress was wearing them out, and interestingly, among those who have switched off from the news, the fatigue jumps to 73%. Fast forward to 2023, eight out of ten Americans associate U.S. politics negatively, using terms like “divisive” and “corrupt”.
This exhaustion seems to stem from three main issues driving the current political climate. First is the politics of fear, which has been skillfully exploited by politicians and media to keep citizens engaged. In my 2023 book, I discuss how fear engages people on extreme tribal lines, creating animosity instead of healthy debate.
Secondly, many Americans are trapped in information bubbles, making it nearly impossible for them to grasp differing points of view. Those who only interact with like-minded communities might perceive opposing views through a distorted lens, seeing only negativity, which widens the divide and fosters unreasonable biases.
Finally, there’s the entanglement of political opinion with personal identity. Unlike the past, where respectful disagreement was possible, today many view partisan differences as indicators of character flaws. Recent Pew data show substantial numbers on both sides believing opposing group members are fundamentally immoral, which further alienates individuals from each other.
From a psychological and neuroscientific standpoint, fear can dictate our memories and engagement. The desire to stay informed about perceived threats can lead to unhealthy news consumption patterns. However, too much fear also triggers a response known as “learned helplessness.” This phenomenon occurs when individuals feel they have no control over adverse situations—like persistent political distress—causing them to disengage entirely.
This learned helplessness can result in mental health issues like depression and fatigue, particularly as so many have navigated prolonged periods of stress from multiple societal pressures. The COVID-19 pandemic and ongoing political turmoil have only added to this burnout. So, if you find yourself feeling politically drained, rest assured—this isn’t solely your fault. It’s okay to step back from the noise and take a break.
Original Source: theconversation.com
