The rise of the twenty-four hour news cycle has changed how information is reported and consumed worldwide. The twenty-four hour news cycle is the twenty-four hour investigation and reporting of news associated with people’s fast paced lifestyles. As breaking stories unfold, the news cycle is altering how our brains work. People now consume news around the clock and get their news from digital platforms updating by the minute. 

Media analysts say the twenty-four hour news cycle has accelerated the pace of reporting, focusing more on speed than accuracy. This was seen in the Nancy Guthrie case which is still unfolding. Constant updates from news outlets, like Fox News and CNN, on the Nancy Guthrie case shows how the cycle continues to update, specifically on the negative aspects of the case. The pace of the twenty-four hour news cycle is increasing pressure on journalists and changing the way our brains consume news. 

The multiple news sources available and the need for people’s attention has led to journalists and media to deliver the current news in the most compelling way in order to grab audience’s attention and keep them interested. 

Constant updates on trending news articles leads to thousands of clicks on a news website and people visiting the site many times a day. 

The twenty-four hour news cycle also leads to many effects on a person’s brain. Many studies show that the brain’s amygdala, the fear center of the brain, is affected by the constant updating of news. According to a study done by psychologist Roxane Cohen Silver, “…ample evidence showing that brutal news cycles can wreck the body’s stress response and lead to an onslaught of psychological issues in the days, weeks, months, and even years to come.” 

The twenty-four hour news cycle also contributes to elevated cortisol levels. Cortisol is the body’s main stress hormone, responsible for the body’s “fight or flight.” Because the news is mainly negative and being constantly updated, people are living in a constant state of stress and fear, leading to long term effects. 

The twenty-four hour news cycle is a vicious cycle that leads to people obsessing over news articles and living in a constant state of stress. 

As the twenty-four hour news cycle continues, it is important to set boundaries to protect your brain. Limiting screen time, having a few trusted news sources instead of constant scrolling, and avoiding checking the news in the morning and at night can greatly reduce cortisol levels and help your brain in the long run.