Sometimes, living in the technological age sucks.
To some degree, everyone can agree with this statement, and naturally, everyone will argue a different point. But for me, the last twelve months have led me to a state of mind that I cannot shake: being surrounded with the 24/7 news updates drains me.
Before I go any further, I want to say that I encourage being aware of events in your local community, in your state, and in the nation. Knowledge is power, and keeping up on current events not only allows you to be more well-rounded, it helps remind you of your place and purpose in the world. I fully support and endorse this, and this article is in no way encouraging ignorance. Also, with the tragedies currently occurring in Texas, Montana, Florida, and several other states, the constant news coverage has created community action and provided updates for those whose loved ones may be impacted. I cannot take away from these facts, no matter the state of mind I may be in.
Nonetheless, there was a time I was an avid news watcher. Starting my senior year (particularly as the election drew near), my eyes scanned Facebook for news articles outlining current events. My Internet searches primarily circled around stories and updates (serious or otherwise) as I sought to remain "in the know." Class discussions surrounding news in our nation were engaging and thought provoking.
But after the election, as my graduation drew nearer, something started to shift. My life became less my own, devoted to stress, obligations, and tiredness. Suddenly, the constant barrage of news was overwhelming and depressing; no longer did I want to know what was happening in the world. The negative stories seemed to outweigh the positive ones. My fingers started swiping quickly past news articles, pausing on more mundane articles or comments. My radio station was quickly changed when news segments came on. Discussion of politics or current events no longer excited me; it exhausted me. This feeling seemed to reappear in others once I mentioned my present mindset. The exhaustion was often coupled with feelings of guilt, as though being unable to absorb more - more news, more information, more, more, more - made them a bad person or a bad citizen.
It was during these months, where my life felt so stuffed with other things and the news felt like too much, that I had to wonder: what does being surrounded by 24/7 news do to us - mentally and emotionally?
It was only last night that I considered my answer. A video recently surfaced of a man, sitting at a piano in his flooded house in Texas, playing among the wreckage. While I watched this video, I realized that I felt tenderness for this man and his situation. It made me consider how community and positive collaboration inevitably come out of these events. Suddenly, Hurricane Harvey was no longer just a tragedy far away - it was beginning to have a face, and for me, that face started with that of the piano playing man.
During a time when news is heavy and the stories continue to pile on, it is captured moments like this that remind us - the news may be focused on the story, but the story is focused on the people. It is finding the connection to the people that help us react with compassion and concern, and that is the most important response the news can invoke.
So to those of you that are responding positively and proactively to the news: kudos to you. You inspire us.
But to those of you who feel drained by the news, just remember - in every story that emerges, find your own piano playing man.
