Being on the Bench Isn’t the End—Disengagement Is: The Danger of Disassociating with Politics in a Time of Manufactured Distraction
As I and others continue to write about the atrocities of Donald Trump and what may come from this historical administration, I’m more than aware many of you feel disenchanted, exhausted, and even disassociated with news and politics altogether—believe me, I have too.
Political Exhaustion Isn’t Natural—It’s Engineered
The 24/7 news cycle, social media overload, and algorithm-driven outrage have created a constant sense of chaos. We are flooded with headlines, notifications, and breaking news alerts that keep us in a loop of anxiety and despair.
As The Atlantic put it, the constant stream of political content creates a “fog of fatigue,” where it’s hard to tell what really matters and what’s just noise. Instead of getting involved in real civic life, we’ve gotten used to just scrolling headlines. Meanwhile, our phones keep us distracted and anxious, while important decisions get made quietly behind closed doors and policies are quietly passed. This isn’t accidental—it’s a deliberate form of suppression hiding in plain sight.
According to Pew Research, a majority of Americans say they feel “exhausted” (65%) and “angry” (55%) when thinking about politics today. With only 10% reporting feeling hopeful. These numbers aren’t just reflections of reality—they’re symptoms of an artificial media environment.
After Kamala’s Loss, Too Many Walked Away
Now let’s be honest—many people checked out after Donald Trump won. And when Kamala Harris didn’t make it through the election cycle the way many hoped, it felt like the fight was over. The disenchantment was real. Though just because we didn’t get the outcome we expected doesn’t mean we stop showing up or we watch from the bench. If anything, it should remind us of what we’re capable of when we mobilize. That same energy—the rallies, the organizing, the hope—must return. Not in nostalgia, but in strategy. Not for optics, but for action.
Don’t Confuse Burnout With Reality. Push Through. Get Off The Bench.
Yes, the exhaustion is real but much of it is fabricated. The endless pressure to consume, react, repost—tricks us into thinking we’re participating, when we’re really just spinning our wheels.
It’s tempting to shut down, to tune out just to protect your peace. But understand this: the system counts on that silence. Real engagement doesn’t happen through hashtags and hot takes—it happens in your neighborhood, your city council meetings, your voter registration drives.
This exhaustion may not be your fault—but it is our responsibility to overcome it. Because the moment we accept disengagement as normal, we’ve already given up the fight. And we don’t have that luxury.
Until then—goodnight and good luck.
