Is it unhealthy to be "too informed" ?

[kentuck]

I've thought about this as I see more and more people here at DU turn angry when some new revelation is put forth. And then another revelation...and then another. We become even more angry as the media seems to cover up the facts. The hypocrisy of our leaders becomes unbearable. Eventually, it seems to turn us toward hate. We hate what we see happening to our country. We hate the ignorance of so many of our citizens. We hate the leaders. We hate our press. Can this be healthy? Is it that we only assume ourselves to be more "informed". If these feelings are with so many DUers, what should we do about it? Take a vacation? Withdraw from the process? Move off the grid?

[Child_Of_Isis]

1. I have been wondering the same.

But, I don't think there is any going back, or leaving it alone.

Onward Soldier!

[supernova]

2. I think there can be too much of a good thing

I've recently thought about this.

While it is a good thing to be aware and to think critically about what's going on the world. I think you can overdose on it. You can lose perspective on what it all means in your own life.

One individual can only do so much. and we each have to decide how much we can reasonably do.

[valerief]

3. I think many folks consider what you're saying

And determine it's a shit or get off the pot situation.

Revolution? Or retirement?

The question is: can one retire at all? Can one turn away? If not, then the only alternative is revolution.

[cynatnite]

4. I take breaks because it does get to me too much

I don't care to have too much of this kind of negativity and it also helps when reading about all the good that's being done, too.

[Lone_Star_Dem]

5. Focus the anger, you have to control it not let it control you.

Write LTTE, call your reps and senators, contact the media and rant.

That's how I deal with it anyway.

[LARED]

6. Reminds me of a bible verse I recently read

(Ecc 1:18) For in much wisdom is much grief: and he that increaseth knowledge increaseth sorrow.

Seems fitting

[kentuck]

24. May I use that in a sigline ?

:)

[LARED]

26. Be my guest.. I didn't write it.

Glad you like it.

[KoKo]

38. Government "Gone Wild" and Outta Control and so much info

with calls for action from so many groups as we deal with hurricanes, disasters and threats from every direction.

It's reaching some kind of tipping point...and maybe it's best to back away right now especially for some who feel who've been here slogging for years and are feeling very frustrated. So much information and so many calls for action and alerts for action and pleas for help from so many organizations just causes :crazy: after awhile unless one is very disiplined and selective.

It's "overload." An example for me of overload is that we dragged ourselves to Peace Protest for Cindy Sheehan this week here in NC because we felt it was so important to be there and show support for her and what those with are are trying to do. But, standing out with my Protest Sign while cars drove by made me feel very sad. We got many "honks for peace," but many drove by and actually turned their heads not to see us. I really wanted to get out of there and be ANYWHERE ELSE--I'm so TIRED OF IT ALL!

I've stood with my signs on street corners and grassy knolls TOO LONG and it's time for some of those folks riding by and honking to replace me standing here and the rest of us who feel like "Atlas holding up the world." Sadly, I see the same folks at every demonstration or political meetings and I feel I need to be there, because they are still there but when will the Fresh Troops arrive? And, why was there no current office holding politician there to see Cindy? Lot's of budding politicians were there, though, so that gives me hope for the future.

What about "guilt" when one needs to take a break? And how does one really get away from it...when one "Knows TOO MUCH," lives in a Red State has Repug Relatives and doesn't have the commmeraderie of like minded folks anywhere but here and out there with our little band of rebels? :shrug:

Thanks,Kentuck, for interesting, as usual, post . It really does bring up a good point for discussion. :-)'s I'm really searching to find a way to detach myself for a bit..and your post kind of spurred me on to really scour for a balance.

[kentuck]

49. KoKo01...us oldtimers have a feel for the soul of DU...

I understand where you are coming from. I think many of us are thinking along similar lines as yourself...

peace

[Lerkfish]

7. better to be aware and burning than ignorant

knowledge it the ONLY defense against facsism.
the light needs to be continually on, in order to make the cockroaches scatter.

you shall know the truth, and the truth shall set you free.

right now, truth is apparently our ONLY weapon. Should we drop it because we don't have others?


no.

[bobbieinok]

35. didn't some ancient ask 'would you rather be Socrates or a happy pig?'?

[kentuck]

8. My wife says.....

Better to be angry than to simply resign yourself to the truth. She says that would be more unhealthy.

[HughMoran]

9. We need something to get the endorphins going

To buffer our stress

Any ideas?

[Z_I_Peevey]

14. Good old sweaty physical labor does it for me.

Chop wood, carry water, that sort of thing.

[blossomstar]

10. also wondering if ignorance wouldn't be bliss right now....

but, still I'd rather know the truth... no matter how much it hurts. This entire nation can not heal until it knows the truth and it's up to us to get the truth out by word of mouth and internet! We sure don't get it by watching tv.. they're already falling in line with the WH propaganda.

[Jack Rabbit]

11. . . . and the truth shall set you free.

There is no such thing as being too well informed. Democracy assumes an informed public. It is only those who despise democracy, such as neoconservatives, who believe that citizens can know too much.

We citizens have every right to be angry at the media for covering up facts. It is the responsibility of the media in a democratic state to inform citizens. That the media has failed in this so willfully and monumentally is evidence that America in the age of Bush and corporatism is not a democratic state.

[OldLeftieLawyer]

12. Back away

Too much of what I've seen here on DU - and I agree with you that the anger has escalated - is very often based on rumor and/or unsubstantiated stories that rapidly turn out to be baseless or twisted versions of a much more benign truth.

Back away. Get your information from reliable sources, as well as DU, but take it all with a grain of salt. Your life is far more important than badly-informed rantings. Cull the herd of information to which you have access and be very selective - be merciless in your pursuit of what is valid.

Then, back away, and remember that the only real effect you will have on this world is what you do personally, as an individual. All politics is local, and if you choose to make a difference in that arena, start by getting or staying involved in your community.

Back away. There's a world out that for you to embrace. Do it joyfully. We're still the luckiest people in the world, and this life is far too short for meaningless and displaced anger.

Have fun.

[rzemanfl]

18. Leftie, you find that spliff? What's with the flower-power tack you

are taking these days?

[OldLeftieLawyer]

20. Huh? What?

Where am I? Did someone say something?

LOOK AT ALL THOSE BIRDS!!!!!!!!!!!

My friend, there are a lot of angles to Leftie's perspective, and limiting herself to just one set of behaviors would be so boring, don't you think?

There's a time to fight - when things are worth fighting for - and there's a time to sit back and observe what assholes there are on both sides.

<wink>

[rzemanfl]

22. I won't take the asshole thing personally unless you want me to.

I need to take a break from this too. I keep having the temptation to stand up in crowded places and yell at the top of my lungs "George W. Bush is the worst President ever, wake the hell up!"

[OldLeftieLawyer]

31. I know, I know

And, no, you're never going to be one of the assholes, my dear rz.

I've had to fight back the urge to ram cars bearing "W" bumper stickers with my car. My car's big. I could take them. I'm heavily insured and well-known in the local courts.

Back away, indeed.

[rzemanfl]

40. I drive a Geo Metro, so ramming is pretty much out of the

question for me. Rear-ending someone with your heavily insured car seems a futile gesture anyhow. Now if you got in front and then slammed on the brakes, that'd be good.

I should go contemplate my navel now...

[OldLeftieLawyer]

42. Take mine

It's just sitting here, doing nothing .............

Oh, and I don't fantasize about rear-ending them. That would be wrong.

I daydream about t-boning them. That way, I can see their faces just as ....... oh, never mind.

Here. Take my navel.

[rzemanfl]

43. Does it come with any jewelry? Can't stand that, makes my

skin crawl...

[OldLeftieLawyer]

46. You'll love this one

Unadorned, a tiny little jewel all by itself.

Lint-free, too, I might add ................

[rzemanfl]

50. Okay, I will contemplate that and will careful not to let my mind

wander up or down, gentleman that I am.

[OldLeftieLawyer]

57. I appreciate that. I truly do.

Especially, you know, since once I give it away, I'll explode.

"The things I do for that man, I swear, that rz just brings out the martyr in me.............."

[rzemanfl]

60. You don't really think I'd buy that fireworks and explosions and

the earth moved stuff at my age, do you?

[flowomo]

13. the danger is a forest/trees effect...

you get bogged down in and distracted by sometimes irrelevant details and lose sight of the big picture.

[progressivebydesign]

15. There is a problem with being hyper-vigilant.

It can interfere with sleep and raise your blood pressure, for sure. The key is to not simply read about things and become angry, but to find positive ways to change the things we are concerned about, if it's only small changes. The feeling of powerlessness is a huge risk for high blood pressure and stress related ailments. If you are empowered to seek changes by what you read here, then it's healthy. If you feel as though your head is going to blow off or that you're angry all the time, then maybe a plan to read less and do more would be in order.

[AnnInLa]

16. I'm so glad you posted your thoughts!

Have wondered the same thing. I always know about political happenings a few days BEFORE it is reported in the MSM, because I am obsessed with checking a variety of political and news websites a million times a day. Have never felt "hate" like this before, and have never taken it so PERSONALLY before.

My daughter, who votes Dem, but doesn't concern herself with the many issues, tells me I ought to see a psychiatrist because the emotional and physical energy I am expending on "politics" does not leave much energy for other aspects of my life. So, I quit talking to her about politics, but didn't cut down on the "politics" obsession.

I'd never been an obsessive person before the bush phenomenon. How do we rid ourselves of this obsession, or should we?

Sometimes I hate DU, but mostly, I am glad that there are other people out there that are just as obsessed and worried as I am. I feel kinda like we are an extended, dysfuntional family who are bound together by hate. Is that sick or is it necessary?

Good grief, just read what I wrote....maybe I do need a psychiatrist!

[Cats Against Frist]

17. Gerhardt Niemeyer wrote about how modernity would

eventually lead to a tortoise-shell-like withdrawal into the "microself." Keep in mind that he was a hard-right-wing, conservative Catholic philosopher, and a member of Opus Dei. His argument was kind of like if you believed there was a God, and that there was order, you shouldn't have to trouble yourself so with the problems of "modernity," i.e. "critical thinking.

I believe that his premise was that each person, with "thinking" overload, would be tempted to act out the "macroself" -- the savior of all humanity -- socialism, social engineering, etc., and when that proved to be futile, as he theorized, that the person would collapse into the "microself," i.e., the abovementioned "get off the grid," where the person just gave up, and was of no use to anyone, causing, eventually, depression, suicide, and or deviant or anti-social behavior.

It's been about eight years since I took the class, but it seems that, this thread, in some sense is probing the idea of the macro- and micro- selves.

[kentuck]

19. Yeah, like Ted Kazinsky ?

Off the grid and crazy?

[AnnInLa]

30. Interesting...thanks for posting that

It reminds me: Before I became a teacher, I investigated child-abuse for the state of Louisiana for a number of years. I learned to deal with the job and its horrors. But, then I reached a point where I couldn't take it anymore....I reached a point where I didn't want to know the details of such evil. So, I quit the job and kinda dropped out of life. I couldn't watch the news on TV, couldn't read newspapers or magazines, couldn't remain active in my committee work, couldn't read certain books (I couldn't read Sophie's Choice or watch Rosemary's Baby for many years)...that sort of thing. Then, after a few years, I came out of the shell. Sometimes the mind just rebels at knowing so much. I wonder how policemen and other professions deal with it?

[marions ghost]

58. I've already been through the "microself" stage...

been there, done that. It didn't work for me, though I have to accept that it as a reasonable means of survival for some. Let's further deconstruct this depressing "micro-self/macroself" theory (which I thank you for posting Cats).

It IS extremely stressful to face the truth of what is going on today, esp if it conflicts with the happier vision that one might have held up in the internal mirror. There is a problem of sheer information overload now, and one has to be good at sifting out what's useful. I don't judge those who can't take it. But the forces that would hijack our government and our brains would like for us to grow frustrated and numb with this problem of overload. They would prefer that we feel overwhelmed and spin our wheels. I won't agree to do that.

If I have emerged now into the macroworld that Neimeyer postulated then I hope it can be done differently, not falling into the ego-bound trap of thinking that any one person will save the world (and therefore end up being discouraged at falling short (!?!). I already KNOW and accept that I can do only a small part, and that it will take many individuals pulling together. I also know that if I DON'T pay attention, in some way I will become a victim. I don't have a noble idea of saving others any more than I want to save myself. So I work at rejecting the victim mentality whenever it crops up within or when I see it in others. It's so easy when you feel powerless, to succumb to the state of being whipped down, like the dogs at the shelter with the tombstones in their eyes. It's necessary to fight against this, just as you would if you were being routinely physically abused. Keeping informed gives me a certain feeling of power and control. It gives opportunities for specific action. It connects me to others of similar head who might have some positive support or inspiration. At times it's tiring and breaks are key, as many have already said.

For some reason, I really don't have a problem with deep-seated anger about this political situation, these times. Not really sure why since there's plenty of justification for that. Some days I resent being burdened with this "job" but still am not to the point of burning anger. I see it as a challenge, something of an opportunity, a clear invitation to create a new world. Am I delusional or am I thinking kind of Straussian?--ie. how to take advantage of chaos? (I hope that's where the similarity ends). These clowns running our government are so transparent and so laughable. In many ways they will fall into traps of their own making, and I am 100% certain that they can be defeated with enough effort. And this effort will be done by the 'first responders' in our midst. But then there will be a major clean-up and restoration to be done. I hope some of those in the "microself" stage will get out and help with that. And we can never let them take advantage of us and abuse our trust again. We The People have a mandate now.

[OnionPatch]

21. This question must be going through many minds

My husband and I talked about it this morning. I was complaining that I was tired of being angry. I was pointing out to him how much easier it must be to be a Republican. According to them everything is hunky-dory. They don't have to worry about poverty; poor people are just lazy, and they think the economy is great because THEY are doing ok. They don't believe in pollution or global warming, so no worry there....etc. etc.

He said he'd rather spend his life fighting for what's right, even if we lose than walk around a naive moron, regardless of the false bliss you may feel.

My answer is to take periodic breaks an make sure I don't OD on DU and other news/info. Focus on the good things in your life and enjoy them as much as possible. When you're rested, get back to fighting the good fight!

[Ladyhawk]

23. Yes. I need a break before I break.

I haven't been doing anyone any good by staying informed. Just the "staying informed" part wears me out. The only action I've been able to take is to donate to organizations helping the Katrina victims. I've been meaning to call my representatives and tell them how I feel about Emperor No-Clothes, but :shrug:

[pitohui]

25. is it even possible to be too informed

hate is energy

if you are afraid to hate what is evil, you're afraid of your own energy and a powerful spur to action

the gop is not afraid to hate

hate & anger exist for a purpose, nothing will change w.out those emotions

[Finder]

33. Hate is never the solution...

but is always the problem.

Hate is an emotion and emotions tend to cancel out or retard rational thought. Not to say passion is not important to a goal..but hatred is destructive.

[pitohui]

52. w.out emotion we do nothing

emotion is gasoline for our engine & hate is one of the most powerful

but you can call it passion if you like

whatever you call it, without it, much talk, no walk

hate is a scary word for a lot of ppl tho, too often we're taught to give away our own power

like the man sez-

i come not to bring peace but a sword

[Finder]

53. Passion and emotion are not the same.

Emotion is paralyzing and blocks out all reasoning. Focus is needed to accomplish any goal.

[leeroysphitz]

27. Someone should find a way to limit the subjects of man's studies

A maniac with a lot of knowledge is a threat. (sarc)

[Marr]

28. Is Britney Spears "healthy"?

She's got a personal chef and exercises four hours a day- but she doesn't know shit and thinks "trusting the President" is a virtue.

I mean, really- is this "healthy"?

[marions ghost]

51. THANKS for the laugh in the middle of such a serious topic...

I appreciate those who dispense humor as a tonic around here. It really helps relieve the stress for me.

[spindoctor]

29. I personally have to take looong recesses to maintain my sanity

It is not so much about being informed as it is about being frustrated. It affects my work, it affects my personality, it affects my health.

I don't think you can be too informed, but in the internet age it is hard work to weed through information and disinformation. Especially if you have a demanding job "on the side".

So about twice a year I take a little sabbatical and totally disengage myself from everything politics. I would love to forget all about it in the knowledge that everything was in capable hands. As it stands I feel I have to know it all and get some kind of grip on all the issues out there so I can contribute to rebuilding a better world.

I guess delusion is a medical condition too.

;)

[greendog]

32. Taking breaks is essential...

Periodically, I unplug from the internet. I call up my ISP and tell them to disconnect me, and then for several months I do other things with my time. Woodworking, drawing/painting, wildlife watching.

I don't watch or own a TV (since 1975 :)). During my "time off" I don't subscribe to a newspaper or listen to radio news or talk.

Then, when I find that I'm so damned happy I can't stand myself I plug back in.

My goal is to spend 4 - 5 months per year "plugged in" and 7 - 8 months
in the world of sunlight.

I've found that I don't miss much by doing this. I'm still much more informed than those who get their news from the corporate media...and I'm not overwhelmed by wave after wave of negative information.

My next "break" begins on Monday...see you all next spring. :)

[Bigmack]

34. Wife and I...

have been talking about this forever. We go back and forth between knowledge and involvement (which means dispair!), and disengagement (which means ignorance).

We've worked out a rationalization: We stay as engaged as we can without going crazy, but then back off when the shit gets too heavy.

Staying involved and informed is also self-protecting: If you stay informed, you can PERHAPS protect youself a bit from the bad shit this country throws at you. An example would be knowing when to move your 401k or TSA from one thing to another. Another might be to move out of areas that will soon be effected by global warming, rather than taking Bushco's word it's gonna be OK.

[nonconformist]

36. I've been wondering that myself

Ignorance really IS bliss. Sometimes I feel like I know too much, especially since my individual ability to stop it or do anything about it is very limited.

It's very frustrating. Breaks are vital. I go on political/news hiatuses from time to time. I think I'm ready for another short one.

[Ksec]

37. unhealthy because of the depression it causes

[kentuck]

39. I think M & M's might be a good antidote...

Marijuana & Music... :)

[buzzsaw_23]

41. Only if you keep it in

If you spread the word you'll go through a range of experiences and emotions that can enrich your spirit even while being frustrated at times.

Awareness without action is a form of complicity.

Silence Kills


From d.a. levy
"Really"
                     the police try to protect
                     the banks - and everything else
                     is secondary"

[Seansky]

44. I don't think it is unhealthy...If more of us

had become more informed much earlier on, we might have had a chance to have more influence on those who are barely awakening...

How could we ignore what is happening? It is the future what we are talking about, isn't it? I just regret that this kind of discussions and awarness wasn't stronger 5-6 years ago...

[Sapphire Blue]

45. It's the wilful ignorance & insanity of the RWers that's unhealthy.

What should we do about it? Punch the clock... The Battle for America has begun.

[donheld]

47. For me it's the frustration of feeling helpless

I've know the awful shit that's going on and has been for at least the last 10 years, but i feel so very helpless to do anything about it. I feel letters, e-mails and phone calls to any congressional person falls on deaf ears. If i get any response at all it's party rhetoric. I need to find a way to really get someone in powers attention. I sometimes have to just step back and take a break from it.

[CrispyQ]

55. Me too!

I'm tired of spending my personal time writing letters to senators & reps only to get canned responses, if any response at all.

Democracy is a participatory government, but what incentive is there to participate when your "representatives" don't listen to you, don't represent you, don't give a crap about you, except at election time when suddenly your mail box is filled with little envelopes that fit only a check. Then I get discouraged & stop writing & then I feel guilty that I'm not doing anything to make the change I want to see. It's a vicious cycle!

I've come to believe that nothing will change until the majority of Americans are so fed up with the system they take to the gated communities & corporate castles with pitch forks & torches. Unfortunately, I think most Americans are still too comfortable. Only when they are cold & hungry will the revolution begin.

"Things are going to get a lot worse before they get worse." Lily Tomlin

[Cleita]

48. I really don't think hate is the right word. It's really utter disbelief

that results in anguish and then anger. I don't hate the ignorance of these people as much as I feel sorry for them for being so deluded. When they realize what has happened to them it's truly sad to see how betrayed they feel.

[Raydawg1234]

54. Sheppards in a land of sheep

It is easy to sit around and hate, especially when it feels like we are so helpless in the face of such wanton corruption. What can we do? No one person can change the world. But, they can spread the word. It is our duty as PATRIOTIC AMERICANS to proclaim that DEMOCRACY is NOT A CATCH PHRASE. The Neo-Cons have taken Democracy away from us......We must take it back. The weapon of the Neo-Conservative is MISINFORMATION,PROPAGANDA. Our weapon must be TRUTH, and we must let it be known to all that might listen.

[DanCa]

56. In the words of Meatloaf

"You shouldn't see your place so clearly, you shouldn't know your world so well." Yes everything in moderation. I mean according to religion even god took the day off once in a while.

[Jeanette in FL]

59. Unfortunately, we don't have the luxury to do that

anymore. Yes this is hard, but it has been hard for those who came before us.

Women have only had the right to vote for 80 years. Blacks only since the 1960's.

We cannot stop now, I know it is hard. My husband tells me all the time "Why do you bother". How can't I.

Once you learn what is going on, in your name, you cannot pretend that you don't know and want to hide your head. Today I went to my Grandson's first birthday party. Looking at him, I know I have to continue, to educate my fellow citizens, to educate myself.

We don't have the luxury to say I can't handle this, I don't want to know. We do know and we must continue to fight.