So many variables that change the narrative if ignored. This is going to be like everything else (at least in the US). People will seek out sources that confirm their already established belief.
It's hard being positive about, well, anything right now. Is this depression, or is this just a realistic view of humanity?
IMHO, C19 was WAY more politicized than it should have been, which caused a lot of the misinformation.
For me to be less despaired, I give up on things like national news (or severely limit it), and hang around positive people, particularly ones doing good things in the community. There are still good people out there doing great things.
I don't think that the media portrayal of many things is a realistic view of reality in most places.