I’ve been thinking recently about causes of stress in our lives. As I’ve said before, this is a pretty good gig! What could possibly be causing angst? And then I heard an expression somewhere that resonated with me:
We have become a country addicted to OUTRAGE!
As I started to examine that concept, I can see so many examples of its truth. Everywhere we look, something in the media, social or otherwise, is just begging us to get riled up. Remember the days when the paper was delivered in the morning, and the news was on TV at 5:00 and 10:00 pm? Not much time for anything but reporting real events. But these days, a 24-hour news cycle, coupled with thousands of different media outlets plying for your attention, has given rise to endless “click bait.”
Now I’m not saying that we should become complacent. We SHOULD be outraged by some a$$hole who shoots hundreds of people in Las Vegas. We SHOULD be outraged by an idiot who drives a truck into a crowd of innocent people.
But pictures of fat Trump? or Hillary with an enraged face? or Melania’s high heels? or what this or that celebrity did or did not say? REALLY????? Do we need to be outraged at that nonsense? Reporters on TV are no longer “reporters” – they are “commentators”…and they are banking on their ability to get you hooked.
And maybe this is just a sign that I’m getting old, but don’t they teach how to detect bias in high school English any more? Like:
- Are there inflammatory words in this headline?
- Is this trying to sway my opinion or get me to hop on board?
- Is this intentionally misleading?
- Is it the intent of the publisher just to sway me to click on the site (and hopefully on advertisers?)
- Is it their intent to incite or outrage the reader?
As I was surfing around, I found this video on YouTube which, while a little old, still rings true:
So how’s about everyone just take a big deep breath, be grateful in the moment, and vow to look for happier, compassionate, uplifting events in our world. OK, I know, that sounded pretty PollyAnna, even to me! (gag me with a spoon!)
But my point is, we do have some control. As consumers, we get to decide what ‘news’ to read, what sites to click on. We have more control than you might imagine. My friend over at Intrepid Kate has instituted her own Facebook policy. She will scroll her feed until she comes across negativity. When that happens, she shuts it down and wanders over to something more fun like Instagram or Pinterest.
As for me, I’ve taken to using the “Unfollow” button on my Facebook feed. Those friends who insist on posting negativity are getting ‘turned off’ (not Unfriended, mind you – I’m just taking a break from their posts.)
I have successfully reduced my Facebook feed to friends who provide “soul-enhancing relationships,” advertisements, and PUPPIES! Oh yeah, and goofy videos…
So I would encourage you to reserve your outrage for more than Tarantulas in the Guacamole (watch the video).
Random.Ranting.Over. Can’t wait to hear your thoughts…
Lynn
An Encore Voyage 
Hi, Yes teaching bias in school still exists as does instruction about fake news. I am also doing the same thing as you with the Unfollow button on Facebook. My guidelines are, “if your posts don’t make me feel good” then the unfollow button gets pushed. This was a very thoughtful and useful entry. I enjoyed it.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks! Yep, just went through my Facebook feed – not a single nasty thing on there! And I have begun my day smiling!
LikeLike
I recently watched a network news broadcast from the 1970’s which ended with the anchor saying something along the lines of, “That’s all we have for now, we’ll update you again tomorrow.” The onset of the 24 hour news cycle (and admittedly cell phones and the Internet) has given rise to an expectation of immediacy. I too am learning to filter more and more now. – Marty
LikeLiked by 1 person
I was amazed at how much more peaceful my life became when I started shutting some of it down! ~ Lynn
LikeLiked by 1 person
Sensationalism sells, so I am afraid we are always going to get it. Outrage at some designated OTHER is a big seller too. Propagandists that rally US against THEM have huge audiences.
On Facebook, when a friend shares a link to something especially stupid, I will click on the box where I can block that link. After the last election, I had friends that were down to puppies and recipes. They can support any idiot politician or preacher they want and I don’t have to hear about it. And I don’t lose real-life friends.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I haven’t tried blocking links yet…But those are my thoughts exactly – I just don’t want to hear about it!
LikeLike
I will need to investigate blocking the link! Great tip! Thanks for sharing that little gem!
LikeLike
I thoroughly enjoyed this post Lynn. I have almost quit watching the news beyond the first segment to catch the headlines. Hopefully, they are still putting newsworthy items up front. I am going to filter through my Facebook as you did. That’s a great idea.
LikeLiked by 1 person
No argument from me.
LikeLike
I have unfollowed a few people too but I’ll admit, if people post something political that I agree with, I don’t feel the same negative reaction. It does seem to be getting uglier and uglier and I think we all need to put on our critical thinking caps and chill out a bit. Life’s too short to walk around feeling outraged.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I read individual posts, until they turn negative or until they show unreasonable bias. Then I move on.
LikeLiked by 2 people
I agree, Lynn. Outrage can compel us into much-needed action…as long as we do not allow ourselves to remain in ‘outrage overload’…especially about trivial items that are undeserving of our attention. Great post!
LikeLike
Hello there. I’m Rafi Nandi and I am proudly deliver this message to you that you have been nominated for Sunshine Blogger Awards of this year. Congratulations!
The post with your nomination has been posted and I really hope you to participate. I am looking forward for more content from you and see you grow as a blogger. Have fun and good luck!
LikeLike
Too true!
LikeLike