The Liberal New Yorkers Who Say They're Tuning Out the News

Since the presidential election, many left-leaning New Yorkers have chosen to distance themselves from the news due to the anticipated chaos of a second Trump administration. Once avid consumers of political coverage, these high-information voters are now questioning whether their news consumption is beneficial or a habit similar to any addiction. They perceive the victorious side as having avoided legitimate news all along.

In Brooklyn, a man committed to reading only the morning print paper, avoiding digital distractions. While this routine feels good, there’s skepticism about how sustainable it is in a city driven by the urge to know more than others.

Four years ago, a book proposed that avoiding the news could lead to a happier life, inspired by techniques like organizing ’news lunches’ with experts. The fallout in news engagement is evident in viewership ratings. MSNBC saw a 39% drop in average daily viewers shortly after the election. Shows like ‘The Rachel Maddow Show’ lost almost half their audience compared to the previous month.

After elections, a drop in engagement is expected. However, the feeling that there’s no longer a fight to engage in contributes to this retreat. Cities like New York saw Trump improving his standing, intensifying the sense of disillusionment for some residents. A writer in her East Side apartment found herself overwhelmed by political podcasts, deciding to limit her news intake to reduce anger.

The struggle against constant news consumption is ongoing. “It feels so out of my control.” People are opting for breaks from news, seeking ways to reduce anxiety and frustration. Many feel that news stories lack satisfying conclusions, unlike the neatly tied narratives on television crime shows. Despite the challenges, the need to stay informed in an information-driven society remains. Silence the noise, or risk falling out of tune with your social circle, who might just ping you about the latest happenings.