TV and newspapers focus on bad news – largely because, psychologically, we are attracted to it. We pay more attention to, and better remember, negative experiences.
Social media has a terrible effect. Misinformation and opinion are presented as facts, talked up and catastrophised. Theoretically everyone has a voice, but not everyone is well informed, so ignorance thrives and those we don’t agree with are demonised.
We are increasingly isolated. Business (and government) want us to do everything online rather than face to face. The automisation of shopping and closure of social spaces make us less likely to interact with other people. Online gaming is, well, online, and we all watch too much TV.
Social and economic anxiety makes us all feel more vulnerable – the world is a scary place.
Which means that we are ill equipped to face the momentous challenges that we have to deal with.
So, what can we do about it?
I’m always struck by the power of listening and sharing, face to face. Posts on social media are more like telling (or shouting!). For real understanding we have to listen – and if we listen well, we understand, and shared understanding sustains a sense of togetherness and community.
In the face of big problems we can feel powerless: but actually, there is always something we can do: from shopping locally (and, if possible, ethically), smiling a bit more and saying ‘hello’, through to being more involved in our communities, sharing, caring and doing. Trying to see things from the other person’s point of view sounds small – but it can be huge!
And good things do happen.
People may disagree with the government, but there is no getting away from the fact that we are now helping lead a green revolution: clean, cheaper energy, security, employment, more energy efficient homes, economic growth.
There is significant investment in the NHS and education – an extra £1.8bn on Early Years alone – and on our transport infrastructure. Things are beginning to improve.
Words are easy. These things won’t be real until they feel real – but we all have the power to help make things feel a bit more manageable, and recognise that we can all do something to make a difference.
