This week, we’re diving into some pressing topics—current political divides, the influence of targeted marketing, and the very real stress caused by our always-online world. As we look ahead to the upcoming U.S. elections, it’s easy to see how divisions are deepening.
Algorithms on social media give us news, based on our biased opinions and not much is fact checked so we are being reinforced continually seeking out more dopamine and reaffirming opinions.
Just to be clear this is not a pro democrat or pro republican post.
Political Rhetoric
Some wonder if certain factions on the left may have strayed too far, pushing agendas that feel increasingly extreme to those of more centrist or conservative values. Finding balance, both personally and collectively, has never been more crucial.
Since Cambridge Analytica extracted and analysed user data to exploit personality types, targeted messaging has become an even more powerful tool in influencing public opinion and deepening divisions. (I wrote about this in April 2017) and as many know it isn’t a new thing, the next level just arrived…
This election season, political parties are tapping into these tactics with precision. Every headline, trending post, and meme serves to trigger emotional responses that widen societal divides, subtly swaying many without them realizing the extent to which emotions are being manipulated.
There is a moral choice to be made for each voter and I strongly encourage you when voting to think about what is triggering you and why, take the time to ponder your decision carefully and try to remove your emotion.
Remember the design flaws you have in your brain, our brains repel beliefs that make us feel bad and accept beliefs that make us feel good. We see out dopamine responses everywhere including when making decisions.
Stress, Mindfulness and Mental Health
Reflecting on this polarization and how it affects us, I found myself awake at 2:45 a.m., thinking back to an Ezekiel choke I practiced in Jiu-Jitsu. In moments like this, stress is clear, simple, and tangible.
When you’re in a chokehold, all that matters is focusing on the immediate solution before you pass out—where your hands and breath go, and which way to move next. It’s a distilled version of stress, one that demands our full attention and response. Just like with life’s pressures, stress can either empower us to perform better or push us to the edge. How we respond makes all the difference.
This week I was sick, and it took me back to my memories from childhood of being sick in bed. My mum would bring me a bottle of Lucozade from the chemist—a glass bottle wrapped in that old, crinkly plastic. She’d check my fever, refill the glass of water by my bed, and remind me that I was being taken care of. It was a simple, grounding gesture, reminding me of the power of human connection, something that seems increasingly rare in today’s world of online noise.
Handling Stress
The best in business handle stress uniquely—they embrace it, using it as fuel instead of allowing it to derail their focus. It’s a skill, much like Jiu-Jitsu, that turns potential adversity into a driving force.
The approach to stress, as I’ve seen it work best, boils down to two choices: meet it head-on, or let it fester. First, step back. Take a walk, meditate, train, and maybe then talk to a friend or family member. Or if you’re stuck, face the situation directly, even if it means delaying things momentarily with a purposeful action.
Be More Stoic
Stoicism teaches us to separate things we control from those we don’t. By doing so, we’re reminded to keep perspective and avoid the tendency to add unnecessary pressure to an already overwhelming world.
This brings me to the pressing importance of maintaining clarity. Today’s relentless digital noise is one of the main drivers of that stress. To help regain a sense of balance, here are a few practical steps for a digital detox:
- Set Boundaries with Technology: Reserve parts of your day for screen-free time, such as during meals or before bed.
- Use ‘Do Not Disturb’ Modes: Silence notifications to reclaim focus and keep stress in check.
- Engage in Offline Activities: Take time for things like walking, reading, or connecting with loved ones.
- Prioritize Sleep: Screen time before bed disrupts sleep, so try unplugging at least an hour before bedtime.
In the end, stress, like Jiu-Jitsu, is all about focus, balance, and perspective. By stepping back from the digital tide and connecting with our surroundings, we can regain the clarity to navigate even the most complex challenges. Let’s use this chance to reconnect with ourselves, with each other, and with a balanced outlook on the world around us.
Until next time…
Yours,
Nat.
If you wish to dig into political rhetoric and key voter behavioural drivers I suggest you checkout this page and continue to have an open mind: https://www.apa.org/news/podcasts/speaking-of-psychology/political-messaging