By John Q. Hosedrinker 
Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez contends that the Trump administration intentionally “floods the zone” with information to overwhelm and paralyze the public, a tactic acknowledged by former strategist Steve Bannon. This strategy, historically employed by authoritarian regimes, aims to induce passivity and discourage resistance. Ocasio-Cortez encourages viewers to counter this by taking breaks to avoid burnout, recognizing that collective, even small-scale, action can effectively generate resistance and impede the administration’s agenda. She emphasizes that citizens outnumber the administration and that sustained, widespread action will ultimately prove effective.
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Feeling overwhelmed by the relentless barrage of news lately? You’re not alone. Many people are experiencing a profound sense of burnout, a feeling of being utterly crushed by the sheer volume and negativity of daily headlines. This pervasive exhaustion isn’t just a coincidence; it’s a deliberate tactic.
The current political climate intentionally employs a strategy of information overload, what some call “flooding the zone.” The goal isn’t just to keep people informed, but to overwhelm them, to induce a state of paralysis and passivity. The sheer volume of news, often conflicting and contradictory, creates a sense of helplessness, making it difficult to discern truth from falsehood, and making it even harder to find the energy to engage in meaningful action.
This calculated chaos serves a specific purpose: to discourage participation in the political process. When people feel overwhelmed and unable to process the information they’re bombarded with, they’re far less likely to participate in protests, engage in political dialogue, or even bother to vote. This deliberate disengagement empowers those who orchestrated the chaos in the first place.
This isn’t a new tactic. Authoritarian regimes throughout history have used similar methods to maintain control. Overwhelming the public with a constant stream of information, much of it negative or designed to sow discord, creates a sense of powerlessness and despair. This, in turn, leads to apathy and a reluctance to challenge the status quo.
The current environment exacerbates this effect. Social media, with its algorithms designed to keep users engaged, contributes to this sense of constant bombardment. The addictive nature of these platforms keeps us glued to our screens, consuming a never-ending stream of information, much of it designed to reinforce existing biases and further polarize the population. The result is a digitally sedated populace, increasingly detached from reality and far less likely to engage in active resistance.
This feeling of helplessness and despair is precisely what is intended. The goal isn’t simply to control the flow of information, but to control the emotions of the population. Inducing a state of emotional exhaustion makes people less likely to actively challenge the existing power structures. They become so overwhelmed that they simply retreat from engagement, allowing those in power to operate unchecked.
It’s important to acknowledge that this feeling of burnout is entirely valid. It’s not a sign of weakness, but a rational response to an irrational situation. It’s crucial to remember that this isn’t simply the “way things are;” it’s a deliberate strategy. Recognizing this strategy is the first step toward combating it.
Self-care is essential in navigating this environment. Taking breaks from the constant barrage of news, engaging in activities that promote relaxation and well-being, and connecting with supportive communities can all help to mitigate the effects of this deliberate campaign of emotional exhaustion. Remember, maintaining your mental and emotional health is not a sign of giving up, but a necessary component of effective resistance. Taking time to disconnect and recharge will allow you to return to the fight refreshed and more capable of engaging constructively.
It’s imperative, however, not to allow this feeling of burnout to lead to complete disengagement. While self-care is crucial, it’s also essential to remain informed and engaged in the political process. Finding ways to participate that are sustainable and meaningful—whether through volunteering, activism, or simply engaging in thoughtful conversations—is critical to countering the effects of this deliberate strategy. The fight against political manipulation requires sustained effort, and that effort is far more effective when it’s approached from a position of strength and self-preservation. We must protect our emotional well-being to sustain the fight for a healthier and more just society.