How to Deal with the News
Created by It Gets Better’s Youth Voices Class of 2025
Intro
In today’s world, staying informed can feel like both a responsibility and a burden—especially for young people who care deeply about justice, community, and the future. This collection of activities is designed to help you balance both engaging and disengaging with the news. Whether you’re building your media literacy skills, reflecting on what information really matters to you, or choosing to step back and recharge, you’re practicing something powerful: intentional engagement. These tools offer space for critical thinking, creativity, and emotional care—because reading the news is important, but so is knowing when to pause. Because “it’s the news…and then. Never just the news. Because the news shows us the world–but the news is not the world.” -Aki, Youth Voice
Media Literacy & Analysis
Quotes from Youth
“It’s time we stopped looking at the news as a source of fear, hurt, and despair. Instead we should focus on how we use the news to conquer our fears, heal the wounded, and foster hope. Create the news you want the next generation to be proud of.
My advice for people like me is to disengage with purpose. Disengage for a moment and focus on fueling the movement. Whether it be silent or loud, sometimes taking a step back is the best way to find steps to move forward.” - Kay
“To be a participant in our democracy, it's important to know what is happening around you. Knowledge is power. I engage in the news by listening to the radio and to informative podcasts while I walk, commute, and do menial tasks. Some podcasts I listen to are Consider This from NPR, This American Life, and Today, Explained. I especially love NPR News Now, which summarizes the news from the past hour in five minutes. It's also important to support your local radio station, especially as they face increasing challenges. “ - Jeremy
“Understand that all news outlets are businesses. Even liberal, LGBTQ-focused news outlets share articles provoking strong reactions and emotions – that is what gets people to keep reading, ultimately increasing profits. These types of articles don’t always have all the facts. If you read something that makes you feel scared or helpless, stop and check WHY you are feeling that way. Is the article giving you information that you truly need to know, or is it just fear-mongering? Is the author exaggerating threats to convince you to take an action (such as donate money or vote for a candidate)? Does the article contain unnecessarily alarming word choices designed to provoke an emotional reaction? If the answer to any of these questions is yes, you may consider putting down the article, approaching that news outlet with more scrutiny, and/or taking a break from the news altogether.
I disengage with the news by spending time with my family and friends. I also make time for things I enjoy that don’t have anything to do with activism – like reading, and playing music.” - Annabelle
“Engaging with the news is power—even when it hurts to hear. But so is the choice to step back, to breath, to rest. We weren’t born only to struggle; queer youth deserve both power and peace.
So yes, I read the news–please read the news. It’s foundational to our democracy. But I read the news, and then I go for a walk and remember that nature is bigger than I’ll ever be. I read the news, and then I spend time with my little cousins, who remind me how joyful the small things can be. I cook something delicious. I read a book. For me, it’s the news…and then. Never just the news. Because the news shows us the world–but the news is not the world.” – Akiko
Curated Playlist
What songs do you listen to when you need some self care time, a break from the news, or to feel uplifted? A playlist created by It Gets Better’s Youth Voices, Class of 2025