Finding Hope In The Chaos Of The Election & Social Media

You know, I used to think elections were a time for us to come together as a society, to discuss what matters most, and to seek the common good. But lately, it feels like every election is a battleground. It brings out the very worst in us, doesn’t it? Instead of connection, we’re divided. Instead of listening, we’re shouting. Social media, a tool with such potential to bridge our differences, has become a megaphone for our ugliest instincts.

Let’s be honest: when we scroll through social media, we don’t just see political opinions anymore—we see a competition for who can shout the loudest, who can insult the hardest, who can paint the other side as “evil.” But we have to ask ourselves, Is this who we want to be?

The truth is, elections and social media reflect our fears, our pain, and our insecurities. We feel attacked, so we attack back. We feel unheard, so we scream louder. And we forget that on the other side of that screen or across the political aisle is a human being—a person with dreams, struggles, and worth. When we dehumanize someone because of their beliefs, we lose a part of our own humanity. That’s why this atmosphere feels so heavy, so toxic. It’s exhausting, isn’t it?

So what can we do?

In our work with FreedHearts, we have certainly been attacked, screamed at and worse. Am I angry about what is going on with this election, in the world, to marginalized people groups like LGBTQ+? Absolutely. But, I have tried to protect my own humanity by focusing my anger on the system and not on the person.

Beloved, we need to breathe. We’re being bombarded with an overload of opinions, facts (and lies), and emotional outbursts. We’re not built for that. Our nervous systems weren’t designed to take in this level of stress and confrontation 24/7. So, take a moment to pause. Step away from the chaos. Inhale deeply and ground yourself in what is true: you are not defined by your reactions, and you have the power to choose peace.

When we pause, we can respond rather than react. We can ask ourselves, “What am I feeling? Why do I feel threatened? What is this anger or fear pointing to?” It’s not about ignoring or dismissing these feelings but acknowledging them with compassion—both for ourselves and for others. This simple act of awareness can change everything.

Next, we need to remember that the person on the other side of that argument is not the enemy. The rhetoric we see on social media—and sometimes even from leaders—makes it seem like we’re in a life-or-death struggle with anyone who disagrees with us. But we’re not. As I said, the battles we face are against the systems. Religious. Financial. Political. We’re all people trying to make sense of a complicated, confusing world. That doesn’t mean we’ll always agree, but it does mean that we can focus on the real enemy, and respect each other’s humanity.

This isn’t to say we should ignore injustice or stay silent in the face of wrongdoing. Absolutely not. But there’s a way to stand up for what’s right, focus our attention on doing all we can to change these harmful systems, and be kind in the process. It means having conversations, not confrontations; asking questions, not making accusations; focusing on connection over correction.

And yes, it’s hard. When someone posts something that feels personal or inflammatory, our instinct is to hit back. But what if instead of responding with anger, we responded with curiosity? What if we tried to understand where they’re coming from—not to validate harmful ideas, but to understand the pain or fear that drives them, and the dangerous systems behind them?

Finally, we need to take care of ourselves.

This climate is toxic, and it’s okay to take a break. Set boundaries around your social media use, unfollow accounts that stir up anxiety, and surround yourself with people who bring out the best in you. You don’t have to engage with every argument or carry the weight of the world on your shoulders. Give yourself permission to rest, to heal, to focus on what truly matters in your life.

At the end of the day, elections will come and go. Social media trends will rise and fade. But our hearts—the way we choose to treat ourselves and others—that’s what will remain. We have the opportunity, even in these chaotic times, to be a light in the darkness. To show up with love, compassion, and grace, no matter how loud the noise around us becomes.

You don’t have to play the game the world is playing. Instead, let’s bring our hearts to the forefront. Let’s be the kind of people who, in the midst of division, are committed to connection. And in doing so, let’s remind ourselves and others of our shared humanity—the truth that we are all in this together.