August 11, 2026
Wow, these headlines on the internet are designed to catch our attention, and they do. We scroll down the alarmist stories (and their ads) to be told that we are doooomed! Cosmic catastrophes are threatening, nuclear war is on the horizon, dire health fears are shouting, murder and mayhem stalk our streets. How can we fail to be concerned?
Well, just a minute. Real disasters do happen and we see that actual problems beset humanity. We sometimes do encounter threats to ourselves and to loved ones. But really! When was the last time you worried about an asteroid colliding with our planet or a piece of space debris landing on your neighborhood? A far greater likelihood is that we may have our credit card hacked. Alien space invasion? Nearby supernova? Nah.
History shows that wars and disasters do happen, but odds are remarkably low that we personally are at risk at any given time. So “doom scrolling” may offer an adrenalin hit but reality, not so much. The problem is that online algorithms note the stories that interest you. They then send more to your news feed. Why? The ads that they contain, which you may read. I use common sense to filter out most headlines. Especially those about other folks whose opinions and lives have no bearing on mine. I understand that God is in charge of the life he granted me and guides how it progresses. If he wants to take it back, he certainly has the right. I’m grateful that he placed me at this place and time. Could have been a much more challenging alternative.
