News avoidance in Ireland has reached an all-time high, with 47% of respondents actively trying to avoid the news [1].
This shift suggests a growing psychological disconnect between the public and traditional media cycles. As audiences increasingly opt out of current events to protect their mental well-being, news organizations face a critical challenge in maintaining civic engagement.
According to the Digital News Report 2026, the percentage of Irish people actively avoiding news rose to 47% [1]. This is an increase from 41% the previous year [1]. The trend is particularly evident among residents of Dublin, where many report feeling overwhelmed by a continuous stream of grim headlines [2].
Those avoiding the news expressed a desire for a shift in coverage. Rather than traditional hard news, many respondents said they are seeking good-news stories instead [2]. This demand for positive content comes as a reaction to a week of particularly bleak reporting that left many feeling exhausted.
While the Irish figures are currently elevated, they exceed some broader estimates. A psychologist said that approximately 40% of people globally avoid the news [3]. The higher rate in Ireland indicates a more acute local trend of news fatigue compared to the general global average.
Media outlets in Ireland, including RTÉ and The Journal, remain among the most used online news sources [4]. However, the rise in active avoidance suggests that high usage does not necessarily equate to high satisfaction. The preference for positive narratives highlights a tension between the journalistic duty to report crisis and the audience's need for emotional stability.
“News avoidance in Ireland has reached an all-time high.”
The surge in news avoidance in Ireland reflects a broader global trend of 'news fatigue,' where the volume of negative information leads to cognitive overload. When nearly half a population actively avoids information, it creates a democratic vulnerability where citizens may miss critical policy updates or public health warnings. This shift may force a pivot in journalistic strategy, requiring a balance between essential hard news and 'solutions journalism' to prevent total audience attrition.
