Healthy Media Consumption in a Time of Monsters
03/29/20
By Greg Gillam
The pandemic has only intensified the Trump-era horror movie of media and (dis)information. Without getting paralyzed by stress flowing from every media platform, we must remain aware and engaged. Here are some basic suggestions for how to do that.
Practice News Literacy:
In a crisis, even the media-savvy can do with reminders on handling disinformation and confusion. Some good sources for this are On The Media's Breaking News Consumer's Handbook and PEN America’s Guide on COVID-19 and Disinformation.
Though they have scaled back activities during the pandemic, Snopes.com is your friend and their Coronavirus Collection: Fact-Checking COVID-19 can help maintain perspective (they could also use your support, so, if you have the means, please donate).
It also helps to have a rational government source not subject to the self-serving liar heading the federal effort. Luckily Chicago has been one of the more responsible cities in terms of information and their COVID-19 response page has clear and useful information.
Don't Post Through The Pandemic: The hot/cliché term for reading oneself into a panic is doomsurfing. Everyone seems susceptible, especially late at night. A good counter is tools that remind you to put down the phone, but maybe also reflect on what you are adding to the discussion.
Venting is central to social media and it sometimes may feel like if we post enough alarming things, we might all wake up and the nightmare will end. Alas, nearly everyone is equally, painfully awake so one person's catharsis may be another's despair. Consider limits on angst posts or balance them out with cat pics, helpful tips, etc.
Find a Calming Stream: No form of relaxation is universal, but Napflix offers a robust library of dull and/or calming YouTube videos in ten categories. And Where To Go For Vibes is an amusingly specific list of ambient videos.
Help Others to Help Yourself: It may be selfish but taking action for others is a great way to stop being trapped in your own head. You can find suggestions in this article about mutual aid, or in this call to action on the Quantine Times. And check the City of Chicago's donation and volunteering page.
—
If you are worried or thinking about self-harm or violence, please reach out:
Crisis Text Line : Text HOME to 741741 to connect with a crisis counselor; or visit their website.
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: Call 1-800-273-8255; or use their online chat page.
The Samaritans: Call or text 877-870-4673; or visit their website.