I actively ignore news because it can just lead to me getting upset at something I can't control, just like the author says. I don't advocate this for everyone,

I actively ignore news because it can just lead to me getting upset at something I can't control, just like the author says. I don't advocate this for everyone, but I like it for myself. I've been told that it's my duty as an American citizen to pay attention to the news, but I disagree. My mindset is that, if something really matters, it will make its way into my view. For example, I didn't actively follow COVID-19 before the week prior to the beginning of America's national emergency, but it made enough of a splash on the platforms I use (Reddit and HN) and the people I talk to (friends, family, and coworkers) that I became aware, realized it was something I needed to pay attention to. I don't want to focus on the constant back and forth of political rivalries, because it usually doesn't affect me directly, and why would I cause myself discomfort by indulging in stories I have no control over.