More and more people are choosing to take a break from social media right now. And many are limiting their time and focus on the various platforms.
Some are cutting back on how much TV news and/or commentary programs they consume in a day.
Others have appointed one person in their family or circle of friends to share a summary of the important headlines without extra details, just the facts.
What do all of these decisions have in common?
They are all born out of a desire to protect someone’s heart and mind from getting overly anxious and upset.
When TV or radio personalities share headlines, in-depth reports and featured spotlights with raised voices, emotional overtones and opinions rather than straight facts, it steps out of the true news reporting realm and begins to influence those listening in some way.
This type of information sharing weighs heavily on us if we listen to it for hours every day.
A continuous social media stream of mean-spirited and ugly comments toward others also hurts our hearts.
Staying focused
And while some situations call for urgent and serious attention, a nonstop flow of aggressive and agitated speech could desensitize us to the important issues that need to be addressed. It could cause us to get caught up in peripheral arguments that distract from the core concern.
We should stay informed and updated on the news of the day, but we also should work to find the best outlet for discovering the facts without taking things personally and getting defensive.
Reading the news, whether in print or online, is one way to reduce emotional overtones.
Limiting the amount of media consumption of all types in a day is another.
Spending time in God’s word and prayer are obvious, but sometimes it’s easy to let time get away from us and not actually do it.
Focusing on others and finding ways to aid someone in need also helps dull the pain and fear of what might be swirling around us.
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