Swimming against the toxic tide

I long ago came to the conclusion that I don't find the online world a happy place to be, particularly in terms of the news and social media. But, recently this has gone from being a mild concern to me becoming cognisant that too much immersion in these spheres leaves me feeling as though I'm being swept along on a toxic tide against which I feel powerless to keep my mental balance and wellbeing.

At Christmas, emboldened after reading Alain de Botton's School of Life articles around the subject, I put my phone away for much of the festive break. It was liberating. Twenty years ago I wouldn't have felt the need to be constantly checking the news or watching arguments unfold online. So, why to do I feel the need to do it now - especially when I'm aware it's so detrimental to my mental wellbing. Perhaps it's FOMO, worrying that in conversation I'll be left wanting, or looking as though I'm not 'informed', partly it's an addiction I've formed to my phone. Whatever the reason, it has to stop. Going forward I need to concentrate more on first-hand experiences, long-form journalism, erudite blogs and podcasts and reading books. Nothing good will come of me continuing to feel helplessly dragged along by a tide, when I need to take time out of the water, and sit on the bank, breathing, reflecting and recovering.

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