I don’t know about you all, but lately it has been emotionally exhausting to get on Twitter every morning. In the last month, my Twitter highlights have captured at least 5 of Trump’s latest racist, misogynistic, and xenophobic comments, the death of Cameron Boyce, people facing potential felony charges for their pursuit to internet fame by tampering with food, a 17 year-old girl being murdered after rejecting an internet stalker’s advances, and videos of immigrants human beings detained in modern-day concentration camps among other things. To say these things are disheartening is an understatement. The only reason why I am still on social media is because of the memes that arise every week. They give me something to chuckle about amidst the chaos this country is spiraling towards.
In this post, I want to bring up a common feeling that many people have during times like this because it is rarely talked about. Originally, I wanted to discuss “oppression fatigue” exclusively, but I’ve decided to make it more general to address things that most people can relate to. Although, I want to emphasize that this post is especially relevant to minorities. For the sake of this post, let me coin the term “Media Fatigue” because I haven’t found an all-encompassing term yet.
Media Fatigue is the mental and emotional exhaustion that comes with seeing consistent media on various platforms that foster feelings of helplessness, lack of motivation, and lack of hope in the world. As someone that suffers from this non-confirmed syndrome, I constantly ask the world:
“When will I stop going into panic every time I see a police car?”
“How long will I have to fear for the safety of my brother, who is a 6’4 black man that wears dark colored hoodies with the hood on even during warmer months because it’s comfortable to him?”
“When will people realize there are consequences for their actions, especially if it is posted on social media for millions of people to see?”
This is just the tip of the iceberg. There are so many negative thoughts that go through my head everyday as a result of the things I see when I log on, ranging from conflict at the border to the unspoken societal expectations that Instagram has cultured, and I know I’m not alone.
If you feel this way as well, I want you to take care of yourself in the following ways or however you see fit:
1. Delete social media for as long as you need to
I still need to take my own advice here, but together we can temporarily delete Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and any other app that provides you the least cheerful news. Even the CNN app if you think it fits. Personally, I always feel like I need to know what’s going on in the world, but all of the news will still be there after your cleanse. The earth will not stop spinning if you miss the Area 51 memes or the latest comments on the movie casting controversy.
2. Find a community that supports you
Most people that know me know how much the Black Student Union has meant to me in the past two years. I’ll never be able to articulate the empowerment that comes from being able to talk to people that understand everything that I go through at a school where most students don’t. I hope everyone finds a space like the space I found. Please talk to people. You don’t have to fight your battles alone.
3. Practice daily gratitude
This is something I adopted very recently. I try to say one thing I enjoyed about my day and one thing I’m looking forward to tomorrow every night before I go to sleep. Even when I have the shittest days of them all, I still find one thing I enjoyed. I’ve recently discovered that you cannot go to sleep angry or frustrated with hopes of a better tomorrow because it only creates a portal for those negative thoughts to follow you into the next day. Instead, end each day with positivity amidst all bullshit. Last weekend while I was out of town, I misplaced my wallet and keys to learn that it was stolen by someone who tried to use my credit card. Despite how shitty that day was, I still went to sleep grateful that I froze my credit and debit card which prevented the purchase from going through, and I was looking forward to enjoying a day at Lake Superior to destress.
4. Be choosy about the information you allow onto your timeline
Unfollow the ShadeRoom on Instagram right now. Unfollow the Kardashians and any other celebrities that only stir up controversy. Unfollow the model/influencer that makes you feel like you’re not pretty enough. Block certain words and phrases from appearing on your timeline. You can’t be surprised when your boat sinks if you’ve drilled holes into the sides. Little self plug here – I did a research project on this for my research methods class last semester, and my results found that people who see negative things on social media sites exhibit negative feelings after viewing the content. Take that as you will until I get it published.
5. It’s just as important to take care of yourself as it is to be aware.
Simple as is. Take care of yourself. Our brothers and sisters are fighting the good fight while you’re down. This too shall pass, but until it does…protect your spirit at all costs.
Carpe Diem – Seize the Day!
Manyi.