Our generation is living through history being written. We have witnessed so many polarizing historical events, from COVID-19 to recent military action in Iran.

We as editors are constantly on the lookout for current events to cover, but keeping up with this flood of news isn’t always easy. It can be discouraging and overwhelming to consume so much negative content.

We wondered if this overconsumption was unique to us as journalists, or if this had become a universal experience. Through interviews and research during the production of this issue, we discovered how widespread the desensitization to current events has become within our generation.

Because of social media, we live in a unique time where we have access to brutal events without traditional news censorship, blocking violent content. We are receiving news of current events instantaneously and processing so much content in little time.

In the middle of making this issue, our state became the center of an important current events discussion. Our coverage of the recent bathroom bill gave us a look into the real impact these events can have. We can now see how these events really do impact students at school; no matter how discouraging, they cannot be overlooked.

It’s important to find a balance for your mental health without becoming uninformed. We urge you to take a page out of our book as journalists and stay informed despite the discouraging news that floods your feed.