What are you feeding your mind? (Media)

You have to feed your mind daily with the good, clean, pure, powerful and positive

Zig Ziglar

Do you feel scared while walking on a crowded street, traveling in a cab, waiting for the lift, or opening the door when the bell rings unexpectedly? Do you often suspect or doubt people, whether new or familiar? Do you feel uncomfortable when you see certain kinds of individuals?

Crime-based shows and web series are attracting more and more audiences. So-called reality-based and realistically directed series and movies receive overwhelming support on OTT platforms. Most programs have gripping plots designed to hook viewers with stories centered on mistrust, crime, violence, fear, and anxiety.

In the comfort of their homes—while eating, relaxing, or spending time with family and friends—people consume such dramas for entertainment. Watching them makes viewers feel like part of solving puzzles and mysteries, adding a thrilling experience as they speculate about why criminals act the way they do.

Every program and channel aims to attract a larger audience. Kids, young adults, and adults get drawn into the promoted content. Some watch out of curiosity, boredom, or during mindless scrolling—and end up hooked.

Certain characters become stereotyped, which can instill fear and anxiety, causing trust issues among viewers. Research suggests that exposure to violent content can increase aggression—and we seem to witness this more and more in daily life.

News channels and newspapers also highlight negative events around us. People doing good deeds rarely make headlines unless their impact is massive or they have money and influence to promote it. Crimes, thefts, robberies, accidents, and corruption dominate the news we consume.

This creates a perception that the world is becoming a horrible place to live. We rarely talk about the 95% of people who are not harming others, who strive to live peacefully and contribute to society. Based on the news and shows we watch, our discussions and thoughts often revolve around a small percentage of people causing problems.

Everyone has the freedom to watch what they want. News channels, newspapers, and filmmakers have freedom of expression. However, the responsibility that should accompany this freedom often takes a backseat in the race for TRPs. Any comment from the censor board draws backlash from viewers and creators alike.

Actors, storytellers, directors, channels, and OTT platforms aim to maximize viewership and evoke emotions to keep audiences hooked. Traumatic experiences are glamorized in movies and shows—it’s part of their job.

No one can force us to watch or read disturbing content. It can be promoted aggressively and delivered at the touch of a fingertip—but ultimately, you have control over what you feed your mind.

Would you like to be the gatekeeper of your mind and allow only the content that benefits you?

—Anitha KC