It's extremely hard to reduce news consumption when it's so accessible. I'm not sure why, but there's a feeling of FOMO, perhaps? And more-so, a feeling of needing to know the latest development? I can completely understand where you are coming from, though. While not equatable to Eastern Europe, I think what we experience or relate to impacts us.

I live in New York City and read so many stories about crime on the subway system that I had a panic attack a few months ago on a train, the first time ever in my life, and I got off the train and haven't gotten back on one since. I have anxiety about terrorism, crime, and it's causing me intense paranoia, even though my personal life experiences hasn't changed.

I do notice that when I reduce news consumption, it does help. But it's hard. It's hard to not want to always know what's happening and pretend like I can handle it. So, to your point, yes, knowing everything all the time can consume us and alter our thinking.