I’ve been purposely ignoring the news and the internet, and I am aware that is a privilege to be able to just turn it all off. My mental health deteriorates when I constantly focus on negativity and fear-based content, and lately that’s all the news seems to be (at least from what I am hearing from people around me).

People feel the need to watch the news to stay informed and society tells them they’re a bad citizen if they aren’t paying attention, but are we even getting correct information? How can one news channel have such different perspectives and views than the other? Where are just the facts and the resources?

This is why I don’t participate, and instead I am focusing on my own health and well-being. I can’t very well help anyone in this world if my own cup isn’t even full- and that’s a common problem I’m seeing. Everyone is stressed and scared, so they’re on a constant loop of scrolling and watching in the name of “being informed,” but it’s mentally exhausting and crippling everyone from actually being able to use a rational headspace to just pause and think.

Making yourself physically ill from consuming traumatic images and videos constantly is NOT helping the world or society. Scaring yourself into a panic attack or any impulsive decisions is NOT helping the world or society. Society may be pressuring you to consume, but remember who is benefiting from that. Fear sells, but love wins.

We need to pause and regroup back into love and light. Recognize the blessings and come together with compassion and curiosity. Open your mind and hearts to a new and better future, one where humans care for one another and we no longer equate money to power. I’m calling on the universe to show us that love truly does conquer all, and I am leaning into faith over fear.