Audiences cannot get enough of it, journalists struggle to keep on top of it: information about coronavirus seems like the only topic that matters right now. Can we really afford to take screen breaks at a time like this?
Subscribe to the Journalism.co.uk podcast on Apple Podcasts, Soundcloud and Spotify
Coronavirus is undoubtedly the biggest topic right now. Audiences seem to be unable to put their smartphones down for fear of missing out on the latest update, and journalists might feel unable to take screenbreaks from their work as they try to keep up.
The last thing on our minds right now is deactivating our social media accounts, or at least restricting our usage of it. But while we sit in self-isolation, a digital detox might be the way to feeling less overwhelmed by the world's events.
In this week's podcast, we talk to Trine Syvertsen, professor of media studies at The University of Oslo, about her new book "Digital Detox: the politics of disconnecting" which will be published next week. She offers practical examples from her research on what motivates people to disconnect from the digital world, how this is possible and what holds people back from truly switching off.
Whether you are guilty of checking work emails on your day off or just glued to your news app, Syvertsen tells you when it might time to self-regulate your digital habits.
If you like our news and feature articles, you can sign up to receive our free daily (Mon-Fri) email newsletter (mobile friendly).
Sign up to receive job alerts of your choice by email, or manage your subscription
Featured recruiter: click to view its vacancies
Award-winning publication with national and international audience seeks experienced reporter to lead its coverage of Asian higher education
Subscribe to our newsletter for latest news, tips, jobs and more
End that deadline stress today and find help in our freelance directory
Cargo Force stuns the world: free 10kg shipping to India in celebration of ICC Trophy victory – offer ongoing until Sunday, 16 March!
Our 35th Newsrewired conference will be held 13 May 2025, News UK, London.
Balance quality content with strategic growth
A new report by FT Strategies and smartocto reveals how newsrooms are increasing relevance, engagement and revenue by focusing on why readers consume news rather than what journalists think is important
The Scandinavian media company is using innovative tools, including bullet-pointed explainers embedded in crime stories, to rebuild trust among young audiences and counter growing news avoidance
How do the likes of DER SPIEGEL and L'Equipe turn fly-by readers into loyal subscribers? The Audiencer's Madeleine White dives into top case studies, best practices and benchmarks