News avoidance in Russia: Scope and characteristics

Section: Sociology of Journalism

This article explores the phenomenon of news avoidance in Russia during 2023–2024, drawing on data from a survey of 6,007 respondents and 67 interviews. The study reveals that over 20% of Russians consciously limit their news consumption, indicating that a significant portion of the population engages in news avoidance, although it is less widespread than in many other countries. The most commonly avoided topics include politics, international relations, crime, and economics. The primary reasons for avoiding news are its negative impact on mood, an oversaturation of political content, news fatigue, and distrust in the media. Women are more likely than men to cite emotional reasons for avoiding news, which may be linked to gender stereotypes and differences in socialization. News avoidance strategies vary, with the most common approaches including reducing the number of news sources, limiting time spent on news, or redirecting attention to alternative activities. News consumption regulation predominantly occurs through self-restriction and conscious habit adjustment rather than changing of the information environment. Although news avoidance is often aimed at preserving mental health, individuals who limit their news intake tend to experience higher levels of emotional distress.

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To cite this article: Kazun A. D. (2025) Izbeganie novostey v Rossii: masshtaby i kharakternye cherty [News avoidance in Russia: Scope and characteristics]. Vestnik Moskovskogo Universiteta. Seriya 10. Zhurnalistika 1: 69–93. DOI: 10.55959/msu. vestnik.journ.1.2025.6993