“Too much information running through my brain/Too much information, driving me insane.” So sang The Police in 1981 in the song “Too Much Information,” which was a ditty about the glut of information at the time. If that was apropos forty-four years ago before every news station ran 24/7 and before the Internet, then think of how much more we are inundated today with news from various sources constantly coming at us from all directions. “Breaking” news alerts on 24/7 news channels that have their screens annoyingly divided into news, weather, traffic, the stock market, and entertainment news sub-screens that play in many public places and private homes, a blizzard of social media updates, podcasts, YouTube channels, online newsletters, emails, and conversations bombard our senses every minute of the day and into the evening. It’s easy to get caught up in the whirlwind and react impulsively and emotionally to every piece of news, whether about politics, the economy, or social issues. But taking a step back and looking at the big picture can lead to better decision-making, reduced stress, and a clearer understanding of what really matters.
The 24-hour news cycle thrives on urgency. It has to: it’s all about ratings and filling the hours while milking the story to death before moving on. Breaking news banners flash across screens, dozens of real and self-proclaimed experts voice their opinions, headlines get crafted to provoke strong emotional reactions, and social media algorithms prioritize outrage and controversy. When we react immediately to every new development, we become part of this cycle—jumping from one issue to the next without pausing to process the full context.
Overreacting to every piece of news leads to unnecessary anxiety, misinformation, and emotional exhaustion. It also makes it harder to discern what may require attention than what is just noise. Instead of making thoughtful, measured decisions, we get caught in knee-jerk responses that may not serve our long-term interests.
When you take a broader view, you gain perspective. Many crises that seem catastrophic at the moment fade into the background over time. Historical context shows us that fluctuations in the stock market, political controversies, and social issues often follow cycles. By taking a long-term view, we can better assess which events are truly significant and which are temporary disturbances. For example, tariffs and potential trade wars are all over the news. Right or wrong, they are nothing new, dating back to ancient Mesopotamia and Egypt imposing taxes and tolls on traders passing through their territories, the Roman and Greek Empires collecting port duties on imported goods, Mercantilism, 19th-century industrialization, and the Smoot-Hawley Tariff Act of 1930, to name a few examples from history.
Impulsive reactions can lead to poor decisions. Whether selling stocks at the wrong time, spreading misinformation, or making career and life choices based on incomplete information, hasty reactions rarely serve us well. When we pause and reflect, we allow ourselves time to gather facts, consider different perspectives, and make informed choices.
Constantly reacting to news and social media updates is emotionally exhausting. The negativity and urgency in the media can create a sense of crisis that may not reflect reality. By stepping back, setting boundaries on news consumption, and focusing on what we can control, we can reduce stress and improve our mental well-being.
Not every piece of news is equally important. By zooming out, we can focus on the bigger picture—our long-term goals, personal growth, relationships, and community involvement, such as volunteering. Instead of being distracted by daily noise – and that is what most of it is, noise – we can dedicate our energy to what will truly make a difference in our lives and the lives of those around us.
Okay, but I want to be informed, you say, and I don’t want to bury my head in the sand. Fair enough. Set specific times to check the news instead of consuming it all day. Choose reputable sources that provide balanced, in-depth reporting rather than sensationalized headlines. Before reacting to a piece of news or social media post, take a moment to ask yourself: “Do I have all the information? Is it accurate? Is this issue as urgent as it seems? Will this matter a month or a year from now?” Remember that a single headline rarely tells the whole story. Read different sources and look at historical patterns before forming an opinion or taking action.
The world isn’t going to slow down, but we can choose how we engage with it. By stepping back and looking back at the big picture, we make space for thoughtful decision-making, personal growth, and a more balanced perspective on life. Instead of being reactive, we become intentional. Instead of being overwhelmed, we become empowered.
So the next time a breaking news alert flashes across your screen or a social media debate flares up, take a breath. Ask yourself: “Does this deserve my immediate reaction, or is it just noise?” The answer might surprise you—and bring a newfound sense of clarity and peace.
John Berkovich Talks 