I have not read a newspaper, listened to radio news or watched any on TV for over 4 decades as it was clear to me it was affecting my emotional wellbeing.
And I've been roundly criticised for doing so. Mainly by people whose conversations always begin, 'Did you see /hear that on the news/in the paper/on the radio...?'
And then go on to tell a grim or grisly tale. Hardly ever anything heartwarmingly wonderful, that's for sure.
I've heard all the specious answers as to why I should read/watch/listen. 'To keep myself informed about the world.'
It doesn't wash.
After all, what can you actually do about most of it?
I still have to wonder at people who willingly and daily (or more often) fill their minds with the sorts of things you speak about above - and worse. Who would actually want to read about such terrible things?
As you say, it is overwhelming - and unpleasant and leads to fear, anxiety, dissatisfaction, depression and chronic complaining.
Is that good for the soul?
It would not be quite so bad if we heard as much good news as bad but we don't.
But you know, it's hard to convince people who feel they must imbibe the news all the time, to standing back and looking what it is doing to their psyche.
So I don't try.
If you care, join Greenpeace, sponsor animal and child charities, work in your community with the needy and hurting. Do something to change your world.