Engaging political news online with wisdom
We live in a time when the news never stops. Whether it’s a local political scandal, a global crisis or the aftermath of a national election, information (and misinformation) bombards us online every day. For Christians trying to live with wisdom, compassion and peace, the digital age can often feel overwhelming.
So how can we develop a healthy relationship with the news? How do we engage thoughtfully in online conversations about important issues without adding to the noise or letting anxiety take over? Here are some practical ways to navigate with clarity and faith.
Curate your feed for peace, not panic
The internet is not neutral – it’s designed to keep you clicking. Algorithms prioritize outrage and sensationalism, and if you’re not careful, your social media feed can become a steady stream of fear, anger and divisiveness.
Take regular inventory of who and what you follow. Are these voices helping you become more like Christ – peaceful, discerning, loving? Or are they fuelling your stress? Unfollow or mute accounts that regularly stir up anxiety or outrage. Follow people and outlets that promote thoughtful, balanced perspectives, and are fair and civil to those with whom they disagree.
Check before you share
As Christians we’re called to be people of truth. That includes being careful about what we share online. Before posting a news article or political claim, take a moment to verify the source. Is it a reputable news outlet? Is there a clear author and publication date? Can you confirm the claim with other reliable sources?
Beware of clickbait headlines, anonymous “experts” and memes with no citations. Tools like MediaBiasFactCheck.com or Snopes.com can help you evaluate the credibility of what you’re seeing. Sharing false information, even unintentionally, erodes trust and contributes to confusion.
Reflect first, don’t post too quickly
Political topics can be deeply emotional, especially when they touch on issues of justice, freedom or human dignity. But the speed of the internet often pressures us to respond instantly.
Instead, try pausing. Ask yourself, Does this post reflect the heart of Jesus? Am I reacting out of fear or frustration? Or am I contributing to a thoughtful dialogue? Sometimes the most faithful response is silence, prayer or a private message instead of a public comment.
Set boundaries around intake
It’s natural to want to stay informed, but too much news – especially bad news – can impact our mental and emotional health. Consider setting time limits for news consumption or choosing specific times of day to catch up rather than doomscrolling before bed.