2021 is already giving me emotional whiplash. How do I deal?
Dear Umbra,
Every time I feel hopeful about the state of the world, a terrible news story knocks the wind out of my sails. How do you deal with good news/bad news whiplash?
- Out Of Focus
Dear OOF,
The world has long been a contradictory place full of simultaneous hope and dread. But I put most of the blame for your current predicament on how we typically absorb information about the world - from the internet. Specifically, from social media.
Let's consider the design of social media platforms: You have family members, clothing brands, college friends, sports teams, and exes, all hollering for your attention on one emotionally chaotic feed. Your cousin's baby! A truly grisly football injury! A banal statement from an underwear brand on racial equity! Your college roommate's latest multi-level marketing scheme! It is a wonder that anyone who spends more than a few minutes a day online is still standing.
Digital media was designed to draw you in and keep you scrolling by triggering one emotional response after...
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