This raises a few pertinent questions about the remaining 53% of followers, who either sometimes or never watch the news.

Why do they choose to remain unaware of what is happening around them? Who are they?

The most common reason for not watching the news, cited by 58% of respondents, is the lack of positive information. It's hard to disagree with this sentiment, as finding positive stories in the media has become increasingly rare.

However, there are news feeds such as The Good Things Guy and Feel SA that prioritise optimism and celebrate the good happening around us.

The second reason South Africans avoid news is the perception that it is overly influenced by politics, according to 53% of respondents.

People naturally question whose agenda is being followed and the reliability of the news.

Internet censorship in South Africa, particularly regarding hate speech, also raises questions about the freedom of speech.

Many South Africans feel anxious and stressed out by the news, with 43% of respondents saying they avoid it. This is understandable, given South Africans' daily challenges, including load shedding, rising fuel and food prices, caring for a family and witnessing poverty.

Some South Africans may have decided to focus on their immediate situation and stop worrying about issues that don't directly affect them.

Millennials are the next cohort more prone to shun news consumption, often citing a lack of time as the main reason. Unlike Boomers, who are likelier to tune in to the news regularly, Millennials are less likely to believe that the news is typically negative, influenced by politics, untrustworthy, or of poor quality.

A lot is happening locally and abroad, but many South Africans have decided they would prefer to know little or nothing about it. This "out of sight, out of mind" mentality may be due to a lack of faith in the media or a desire to avoid anxiety and stress.

Regardless of the reason, it's crucial to stay informed about current events, particularly those that directly impact our lives.

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