How to handle news burnout from a political reporter

As a political reporter and a storyteller at heart, this is my hot take: people need better boundaries with media.

As we sink further into Trump’s second term, I find myself wanting to curl up underground, maybe in a rabbit’s nest, with my Kindle and a weighted blanket.

A few months back, I left entertainment news and entered politics. Depending on who you ask, they’re interchangeable.

But now, instead of reporting on Britney Spears gyrating on a stripper pole, I am writing about Brazilians being handcuffed and denied water in hot planes as they’re flown back to their home country.

I’m writing about Los Angeles going up in flames as heart-breaking reality checks reveal that many families will be priced out when the city rebuilds.

I am tired. Aren’t you?

The thing is, we’re not meant to be this connected. We are not meant to be this informed.

As a political reporter and a storyteller at heart, this is my hot take: people need better boundaries with media.

Now that media isn’t just a daily newspaper or twice-daily TV broadcast, it’s become a ravenous beast. When I worked for a certain online and print outlet that rhymes with the Brew Pork Roast, reporters and producers alike were pushed so hard to publish quick content that quitting, retaliations, and outright mental breakdowns were common.

Hell, one guy literally hacked the site to post fake articles calling for the un-aliving of AOC in the midst of a menty-b. And in all fairness, it says everything about that network's work culture and less about the employee (who was lovely, by the way).

With that being said, we’re too damn informed. Here’s some tips on how to create some healthy news boundaries as headlines are undoubtedly beating you on your fucking head post-inauguration.

1) Set up separate social media accounts to follow journalists and news accounts

Stop following news accounts and reporters (or news influencers?) on your personal doom-scrolling account. The ultimate move would be to delete social media altogether, but given we’re all hopelessly addicted to the damn thing, controlling the type of content in our main feed is the next best thing.

If you’re concerned that you might miss out on something important as news breaks… trust me, news will find you if its really that important.

2) If you’re using Instagram, use that sneaky little setting that limits political content to your advantage.

I remember when this setting came out, everyone was panicking and telling their followers how to turn it off. Now, as we all search for some semblance of sanity, here’s your chance to use it to your advantage.

In your settings under ‘content preferences,’ you can find an option for ‘political content.’ Adjust as needed. Instagram’s help center also has an explainer here for limiting political ads or ads on social issues, etc.

3) Resist the urge to engage

If you’re a comment section warrior like me (hehe), maybe it’s time to lay down your weapon(s) and give in to a more peaceful life. We never win, and we always walk away feeling more stressed. Nobody ever, ever, ever changes a mind on social media.

Instead, opt for making a real impact. Look for a local charity that resonates with a cause you believe in. Whether it’s helping children with reading, handing out food to homeless, helping with disaster relief… these sorts of things not only make more of a difference in lives but give us more fulfillment.

4) Lastly — We need to accept that we are powerless over everything (except our votes)

I know it sounds a little daunting, but the simple fact is that you cannot make a difference in the world simply by being the most informed of all the tragedies that are happening at every given moment.

In fact, that sounds fucking terrible.

Give yourself a break. Allow yourself to step away from the news, to be a little less informed (again, hot take, I know). It is okay if instead of checking in on breaking news, you opt for a quieter day instead. When the time is right, and your energy is back, you can dive back into headlines and get the information needed to be an informed citizen and voter.

A good journalist can inform a reader of what is happening without linking multiple backstories.

So, don’t fret. You can unplug.