10 Things NOT to Do When Reading the News

News isn’t just information anymore—it’s drama, clickbait, and the occasional existential crisis in headline form. Reading it smart is an art. Here’s what not to do when trying to stay informed without losing your mind.

1. Don’t Believe the Headline Alone

Headlines are designed to hook, not to tell the whole story. Read past the bait.

2. Don’t Trust Every Source Equally

Uncle Jerry’s blog isn’t on the same level as actual journalism. Know the difference.

3. Don’t Confuse Opinion With Fact

If the article is more fire emojis than facts, it’s commentary, not reporting.

4. Don’t Rely on Just One Outlet

One perspective is a peephole. Multiple sources = a window.

5. Don’t Get Your News Exclusively From Social Media

Breaking news doesn’t break on TikTok—it breaks because of TikTok.

6. Don’t Doomscroll Until 2 A.M.

The world feels a lot worse at 2 a.m. Close the app and go to bed.

7. Don’t Share Without Checking

Nothing says “I’m part of the problem” like spreading a fake story because you didn’t read it.

8. Don’t Assume Silence Means Irrelevance

Just because it’s not trending doesn’t mean it’s not important.

9. Don’t Let Every Headline Ruin Your Day

Yes, the world is complicated. No, you don’t have to carry it all on your shoulders.

10. Don’t Forget the Good News Exists Too

Balance matters. Not every story is doom, gloom, and disaster.

Final Thought:

News should inform you, not own you. Stay curious, stay critical, and remember—an informed mind is powerful, but a panicked one is powerless.