Saying that keeping up with the news right now is overwhelming would be the understatement of the year.
A breaking update from The New York Times on canceled medical research funding. A push notification from AP News about another state banning DEI programs. A Reuters report on mass layoffs at the federal level. The cycle is relentless.
And no matter who you are, you likely know someone directly affected. A friend with a medical condition now facing even greater uncertainty. A family member whose scholarship opportunities are shifting. A loved one navigating sudden job loss. These stories aren’t just headlines — they shape people’s lives.
It’s easy to sink into a cycle of “doomscrolling,” refreshing your feed just to watch events unfold in real time. If you need to step back, do it. Your mental well-being matters.
But don’t look away for too long. Because the moment you stop consuming the news is the moment it starts consuming you.
Understanding what is happening in the world is not just about staying informed — it’s about learning how these changes impact you, your family, your community and those around you.
How does a shift in policy affect the financial aid you rely on? How do changes in healthcare funding affect the services you or your loved ones might need one day? How do labor trends shape the job market you’ll be entering? The more you understand, the more equipped you are to navigate these shifts and advocate for what matters to you.
But advocacy isn’t just about looking out for yourself. Those of us who have more privilege — whether in economic stability, resources or access — have a responsibility to use it. It is not the job of those most affected to carry the full weight of pushing for change. The burden of speaking up should not fall solely on those struggling the most.
If you have the time, the platform or the ability to act, use it to amplify others voices, not just your own.
As students, education and knowledge is what allows us to take action. Attend events that connect you with elected officials. Learn how to engage with representatives effectively. Read multiple sources to get a well-rounded perspective. Support local journalism. Have tough conversations with those around you.
Staying informed isn’t about consuming the most you can in the shortest amount of time — it’s about being prepared, engaged and ready to contribute to meaningful conversations and actions.
We are not just passive consumers of information. We have the ability — and the responsibility — to think critically, ask questions and push for the changes we want to see.
So don’t let the news consume you. Consume it. Use it. And then do something with it.
Julianna Pedone is the News and Managing Editor for The Beacon. She can be reached at pedone25@up.edu.
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