Anger is a great motivator. It’s a powerful emotion that pushes us to act – although not always in productive ways. It makes sense, as we perceive an injustice and want to do something about it.
I know it has worked on me more than once. It’s one reason I’ve changed internet providers a few times. It also leads to donating to political causes and standing up for one’s beliefs.
It turns out that anger is also one heck of a business model. The media landscape is littered with people who use it as a money maker. TV, radio, internet – it’s hard to swing a fist without running into someone with a gripe to sell.
Think about it. How many “personalities” out there use anger to captivate their audience? It’s a surefire way to get attention.
The problem is that anger eventually leads to fatigue. Some will become tired of whatever is happening and tune out.
And what if the rage leads to the desired result? Let’s use politics as an example. Maybe the audience directed their energies to voting for a particular candidate. The candidate wins and people celebrate – then go along with their daily lives. I’ve experienced this one.
That’s kind of a bummer for media personalities. It’s not like they want to go away quietly. And who wouldn’t want a loyal audience in the palms of their hands?
Why, there must be something they can do to hold on…
Keep Throwing Raw Meat Into the Crowd
The world is big and full of problems. There are plenty of injustices (real or perceived) to pick from. The media always has a dumpster full of raw meat to give their audience a taste for blood.
It’s certainly a way to keep the status quo. And I suppose there are times when this is a good thing – for example, the long and difficult road of the civil rights movement. Each battle is a step toward a bigger goal. One where there’s no time for rest.
But that’s not how the media tends to use it. An angry mob tunes in and furiously clicks those headlines. It’s a golden goose that never fails to deliver.
Nobody would want to give up on such a profitable formula. So, how do you fight the inevitable fatigue? You keep upping the ante.
However, some have found that you can only go so far with truth. Thus, they’ve turned to the absurd to keep their audience frothing at the mouth.
All the classic tropes are there: lies, conspiracy theories, and scapegoating. They may not be pretty, but they get the job done.
A Collective Chip on Our Shoulder
As a member of Generation X, I proudly grew up with a mix of apathy and indifference. Those days seem quaint compared to the divisive messages shoved down our throats these days.
It seems like people are walking around with a chip on their shoulders. Angry, but why?
I see people with stable lives and plenty of resources – disposable income, nice houses, new cars, etc. They’re still angry at those they consider “takers” and immigrants looking for a better life.
If I had the patience, I’d ask them: What has anyone taken from you? What are you missing? Does their existence mean you can’t live your best life?
But these folks aren’t alone. I admit to being angry as well. I’m mad that people fall for this scheme. I’m frustrated that it takes up so much of our time and energy. I think about the things we could accomplish without such distractions.
Maybe it’s all a symptom of the time we live in.
Learning to Avoid the Triggers
That thought of wasted time has been on my mind recently. As they say: Life is short. Maybe it’s best to be choosy about when to let anger creep in.
That means focusing my energies on what I believe is important. Like being more present for those around me rather than worrying about some ridiculous thing a politician says.
One way to do that is by cutting off the sources of anger. I already avoid them on TV. Removing as many as I can from my social feeds also helps. I’m putting that strategy to work as I’ve moved my activities from X to Bluesky.
The goal isn’t to disengage, but to prioritize. It’s good to remind ourselves to do so every once in a while.