SIGNAL LOST. REBOOT YOUR BRAIN.

Static and Signal: When the World Feels Like a Broken Arcade Machine

Look, I've been staring at screens since before most of you were… well, anything. Raised on BBSes and the early web, I’ve seen information overload before. Back then it was dial-up modems screaming and pixelated graphics. Now? It's a constant firehose of… everything. And lately, that firehose feels like it’s aimed directly at your nerves.

I get the messages. The DMs, the forum posts, even the plaintive cries yelled at me during retro gaming streams: "Grimbly, I can’t stop checking. It's just… bad news after bad news. I feel awful."

Believe me, I get it. It’s not just seeing the bad stuff, it’s the constant drumbeat. Like a broken arcade machine stuck on one terrifying, glitching sprite. Back in the day, if an arcade game was giving you grief, you either walked away, found a better cabinet, or maybe, maybe if you knew what you were doing, you could poke around in the service menu and try to fix it.

This isn’t an arcade machine, obviously. But the principle is similar. You gotta manage the signal, or the static will drown you out.

First thing: boundaries. Seriously. Back in the day, when you were connected to a BBS, you disconnected. You had a life outside that flickering text. Now people are glued to their devices 24/7. Set specific times to check the news. Fifteen minutes in the morning, maybe another in the evening. And that’s it. Resist the urge to refresh. Treat it like a limited resource – because it is.

And for the love of all that is 8-bit, choose your sources carefully. There's a lot of noise out there, a lot of sensationalism designed to grab your attention, not inform you. Stick to reputable outlets, and be wary of anything that feels designed to provoke a reaction, not deliver facts.

I’ve seen a lot of folks talking about muting keywords and unfollowing accounts. Sounds drastic? Maybe. But if a particular topic is consistently triggering anxiety, it’s a legitimate self-preservation tactic. Think of it as filtering out the corrupted data packets.

But it’s not just about what you see. It’s about how you feel. Recognize that feeling anxious about the news is normal. Seriously, it is. It’s not a sign of weakness, it’s a sign that you’re a human being with empathy. Acknowledge those feelings, but don’t let them consume you. Don’t ruminate on negative stories. Shift your focus.

This is where the old-school self-care comes in. Remember when you had hobbies? Things you enjoyed just for the sake of it? Dust them off. Go for a walk. Read a book. Listen to music. Spend time with people you care about. Get some sleep. You can’t fight static with more static. You need to recharge your batteries.

And look, I'm an old gamer. I understand the urge to do something. To fix things. If a news story inspires you to take action – volunteer, donate, advocate – then do it. It can be empowering. But don't feel like you have to carry the weight of the world on your shoulders. Focus on what you can control in your own life.

Look, I’m not saying any of this is easy. It’s a messy world, and the signal’s only getting stronger. But you're not a helpless receiver. You can adjust the frequency. You can filter the noise. You can find a little bit of peace, even in the static.

And if it gets too much? If you're genuinely struggling? Don't be afraid to reach out for help. There’s no shame in asking for a little assistance with the signal.