Combating News Fatigue: 6 Strategies to Stay Informed While Avoiding Overwhelm and Misinformation

In the wake of Donald Trump’s return to the White House, the battle against misinformation has intensified, challenging Americans to navigate an increasingly complex media landscape. With false claims from the presidential office becoming commonplace once again, developing strong “news hygiene” has never been more essential for an informed citizenry.

During his first term, Trump regularly promoted falsehoods about COVID-19, climate change, and election results. Now in his second administration, the pattern continues with misleading statements about Ukraine, Canada, immigration, and inflation—all while continuing to dispute the 2020 election outcome.

The situation has been further complicated by Meta’s decision to end fact-checking programs initially created after Trump’s first election victory. Meanwhile, presidential adviser Elon Musk regularly uses his social media platform X to amplify both Trump’s false claims and his own conspiracy theories, creating a powerful echo chamber for misinformation.

Media literacy experts emphasize that combating this environment requires more than simple fact-checking. Understanding how modern media functions—from TikTok “newsfluencers” to major networks like FOX News and traditional outlets like The New York Times—has become a critical civic skill.

One primary concern is the influence of algorithms that dictate what content users see online. Despite appearing neutral, these formulas are designed to maximize engagement rather than accuracy, often directing users into partisan echo chambers that heighten polarization and erode social trust. In extreme cases, algorithmic recommendations have contributed to dangerous outcomes, from the January 6 Capitol insurrection to harmful viral challenges.

Media literacy advocates recommend actively seeking diverse news sources rather than passively consuming whatever appears in social feeds. Research indicates that simply understanding how algorithms filter information makes people more likely to take steps against misinformation.

The economics of news also plays a significant role in content quality. For-profit newsrooms, which produce most American news, rely heavily on advertising revenue—a model that can incentivize sensational reporting and false equivalencies on established facts. Meanwhile, declining revenues and staff cuts further diminish reporting quality.

Nonprofit newsrooms and public media often prioritize public interest over profit, offering alternatives to commercial news. Countries with better-funded public media typically have stronger democracies, while the United States invests comparatively little in public service broadcasting.

With AI-generated content becoming increasingly prevalent, source evaluation skills are essential. Trustworthy journalism typically features verified claims supported by informed perspectives, transparent sourcing, adherence to ethical guidelines, and willingness to correct errors. Content lacking author attribution or relying heavily on anonymous sources warrants additional scrutiny.

The practice of “lateral reading”—opening new browser tabs to verify claims across multiple sources—has emerged as a valuable verification technique for digital news consumers.

Psychological factors also play a crucial role in how people process information. Misinformation often provokes strong emotional reactions that cloud judgment, while confirmation bias leads people to accept information that aligns with existing beliefs. When encountering emotionally charged content, consumers should question who benefits from the narrative and evaluate the supporting evidence.

Trump’s approach to media goes beyond typical political spin, targeting outlets critical of his administration as “fake news” or “enemies of the people” while amplifying supportive voices. Understanding these propaganda techniques—which rely on repetition, emotional appeals, scapegoating, fear tactics, and unrealistic promises—can help citizens resist manipulation.

Rather than succumbing to news avoidance, democracy requires engaged citizens who read deeply, question story framing, and participate in discussions about media’s societal role. Experts recommend limiting consumption to about 30 minutes daily of quality sources that meet specific information needs.

Balancing informed engagement with occasional digital detoxes remains crucial. Taking breaks from screens, connecting with nature, and maintaining real-life relationships helps build resilience against the overwhelming tide of misinformation that threatens to undermine democratic participation.