The youth needs to consume information in moderation

Information overload is the new vice of this century. In the age of information, unlimited access to news, content, and media is a priceless asset. Asset, or so young people are made to believe. There is information about everything at our disposal. As a result, we are all expected to be well-read individuals. Yet, why do we become overwhelmed when we try to fulfil this criterion?

The problem of feeling overwhelmed does not strike us as a problem at all. Instead, we register it as a personal drawback. The inability to stomach as much news about current affairs as possible is frowned upon. Under the capitalist system, there is continual pressure to utilise every moment of our lives to make the resources available to us profitable.  

Things that the advent of the internet did to the availability of data is more impactful compared to television or newspapers. And the effects of it are still very fresh.

Information as a resource is undoubtedly very valuable. A certain amount of exposure to the news is necessary. Naturally, it has developed into a social expectation to consume as much of it as possible. This is the reason we fail to identify it as an issue.

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Does infinite resource equal infinite profit? Profit rears its ugly head when people eventually have to cope with debilitating confusion, anxiety, and stress which results in delays in making decisions and evaluating information. Additionally, blaming oneself gives rise to feelings of hopelessness. We are entities with finite capabilities after all.  Acknowledging the absurd nature of this social expectation is the first step to fighting the issue.

So, how should we fight this monster? The key is intentional consumption. Mindless scrolling of YouTube shorts, Tiktok videos, and Instagram reels is the first thing that must be cut off significantly. The nature of the delivery of information there is designed to flood the mind rather than enrich it. That is only one example but all forms of media whether it be books, music, games or film can be mind-numbing when one overdoses on them.

In order to not feel like a scatterbrain, it is crucial to give ourselves time to digest all the information that we consume each day. Therefore, we should expose ourselves to it in a way so that we have spare time to stop and think. News should be read consciously. Doing a "brain dump" on a piece of paper is also very helpful in managing an overwhelmed state of mind. Above all, setting boundaries between one's sanity and the endless flood of content is what will save you from brain fog. As the wise man's words go, everything is healthy in moderation. 

Lamia is currently very overwhelmed. Give her meditation tips and crystals at lamiakarimxd@gmail.com