In these uncertain times, everyone — not just young adults like college students — are looking for answers. No matter what your views are, staying up-to-date on what is happening in the political sphere is a vital part of participating in society. While engaging with potentially unsetting information, political or otherwise, consider these five things to ensure you gain from your research and not get lost in the overload of data.
- Use Reputable Sources
Modern day information is polluted with deception; some ways are obvious, such as obviously AI generated images and lies that are easily disproven. Others, however, are less obtrusive, such as intentionally convoluted wordings and misusing data points. When you read something online, verify the source before accepting it as the truth. Who is the author and what is their goal in sharing this information with you? How does the information compare to other sources? Are the facts conveyed the same? How recently was this information released? Is it still relevant? Make sure you are verifying the information from potentially untrustworthy sources, such as social media posts or word of mouth, before believing it. Sample from multiple verified news sources to make sure the facts are consistent to ensure that you are not being led to an incorrect conclusion. Keep your sources diverse, trust the verified experts of relevant fields, and avoid as much propaganda as you can.
2. Do Not Overwhelm Yourself
It can feel impossible to stay up-to-date on what’s going on when the world seems to be crumbling around you. Whether you lost family due to the volatile 2024 election, no longer feel safe in your community thanks to your identity or affiliation, or had friendships dissolve into heated debates, everyone is suffering the consequences of the current political atmosphere. If you feel you are getting anxious, depressed, or angry, take a step back. If you are in an in-person conversation, try to direct the topic to something less upsetting or leave if you feel comfortable doing so. For online situations, close out of the application and take some time to breathe. Engage in a different activity that will distract your brain and give you a chance to decompress and reset your emotions. It is okay to feel your emotions and have your opinions, but it is up to you to make sure that you do not hurt yourself or others as a result. Limit the amount of time you spend in the political spheres online and try to avoid emotionally draining topics before going to sleep, examinations, or anything else that requires you not to be preoccupied. Ingest information at the speed you are comfortable with and just know it’s okay to want a break from the constant onslaught of news.
3. Do Not Catastrophize
This one is tricky to avoid, especially with particularly upsetting news, but it is important to not overreact. Catastrophizing is a type of cognitive distortion where a person exaggerates the potential negative consequences of a situation. Humans are susceptible to “jumping on the bandwagon;” it can be easy to get swept up whatever the hot button topic of the moment is and go off the rails and stuck in rabbit holes without meaning to. Take time to process the information you were given, take note of what kind of effect it really has on your life, and decide how to proceed from there.
4. Consider the Point of View of Others
Everyone has their own beliefs, moral code, religious views, and experiences that shape their stance on the world. Part of being an adult, or at least a functioning member of a democratic society, is to know and understand how to work together despite these differences. No one is free of a biased opinion, but in the end, every single person is just trying to live their life. When you want to talk about societal, economic, or political topics, try to see where the other person is coming from instead of getting defensive. This is not to say that you need to tolerate blatant disrespect, threats of violence, or unwanted arguments – everyone deserves to feel heard, and no one wants to be told their point of view is wrong. Some topics cannot be discussed without emotional responses, especially when one person is advocating for violence against another or threatening someone else’s way of life, these topics are best avoided unless both parties are willing participants. You do not have to accept someone else’s opposing viewpoints, but it is worth knowing their reasons to better support your own argument and allow an understanding of the bigger picture. The most effective conversations and debates are the result of respectful conversations that allow everyone a chance to share their views, facilitate back-and-forth dialogue, and maintain a calm and balanced attitude.
5. Vote
The results of elections control the major aspects of our lives and voting is a civic duty of all American adults. Stay up-to-date on upcoming elections, make sure you are prepared to file your ballot in the local, state, and national elections. Know what jurisdiction you are in to ensure you know when the elections will be taking place, who your candidates are, what is on the ballot, where your polling place is located, and if the voting requirements have changed. If you do not live in Fairmont or Marion County, request a Mail-In Ballot from your county or state so you can still vote. So many people choose not to vote because they do not believe that their vote will change anything. However, if everyone who claimed that went out and voted, there is a real chance for change.
In the end, there is no way to completely avoid politics. Almost anything can be argued one way or another, and even if you do not want to get involved with politics, politics will still get involved with you. Remember that no matter what you believe, how much time you spend online, or where you get your news, you are never completely immune to propaganda. If you can accept that people may have a different stance than you, no one knows 100% of the facts on any given topic, and that we are all working within the same society, then you are well on your way to being a responsible and respectful adult. Make sure to interact with the current political sphere as carefully and safely as possible, and may your research be productive.
