Why Smart People Are Quitting The News

What this episode covers

In this gripping exchange, cognitive scientist Maya Shankar and journalist Evan Smith confront a disturbing reality: we are drowning in information—and it’s breaking us. From the psychological toll of nonstop news to the quiet collapse of civic participation, they unpack how doomscrolling, distrust in media, and algorithm-driven outrage are reshaping our minds and our democracy. But beneath the chaos lies something even more unsettling—people aren’t disengaging because they don’t care… they’re disengaging because they’re overwhelmed. And that may be the most dangerous shift of all. This conversation doesn’t just diagnose the problem—it exposes the invisible forces influencing how we think, what we believe, and whether we act at all.Order Maya Shankar Book Here: https://bookshop.org/a/20190/9780593713686Order Baldwin & Co. Merch Here: https://shop.baldwinandcobooks.comLearn more about Baldwin & Co. Foundation: https://bcofoundation.orgThis episode is part of the ongoing conversations hosted by Baldwin & Co., a Black-owned bookstore, café, and cultural institution based in New Orleans. Baldwin & Co. exists at the intersection of literature, ideas, and community—creating space for rigorous dialogue, storytelling, and intellectual exchange.Through author talks, podcasts, live events, and community programming, Baldwin & Co. amplifies voices shaping how we understand culture, history, politics, faith, and the future.Stay connected with Baldwin & Co. across platforms:Instagram: @baldwinandcoX (Twitter): @baldwinandcoFacebook: Baldwin & Co.YouTube: Baldwin & Co.Website: www.baldwinandcobooks.comVisit us in New Orleans or online to support independent bookselling, discover powerful literature, and engage in conversations that matter.#MayaShankar #EvanSmith #Shorts #YouTubeShorts #Viral #Trending #FYP #ForYou #WatchNow #MustWatch #Psychology #MentalHealth #Doomscrolling #MediaTrust #SocialMedia #InformationOverload #HumanBehavior #CriticalThinking #WakeUp #HiddenTruth #RealityCheck #BigIdeas

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Frequently Asked Questions

How long is this episode of Baldwin & Co. Ideas Explored?

This episode is 42 minutes long.

When was this Baldwin & Co. Ideas Explored episode published?

This episode was published on April 23, 2026.

What is this episode about?

In this gripping exchange, cognitive scientist Maya Shankar and journalist Evan Smith confront a disturbing reality: we are drowning in information—and it’s breaking us. From the psychological toll of nonstop news to the quiet collapse of civic...

Is there a transcript available for this episode?

Yes, a full transcript is available for this episode. You can read the complete transcript on the episode page.

Can I download this Baldwin & Co. Ideas Explored episode?

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