Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y.) recently sounded the alarm on why so many people feel exhausted by the chaotic news cycle—and why that’s exactly what former President Donald Trump and his allies want.
Ocasio-Cortez didn’t mince words when she explained how authoritarian regimes manipulate public attention.
In a recent Instagram Live session, she broke down a tactic called “flooding the zone.”
This strategy bombards people with rapid, chaotic news updates, making it nearly impossible to focus on any single issue.
“They are trying to induce a state of passivity among the general public,” Ocasio-Cortez warned. “When there’s so much happening at once, people feel paralyzed and give up.”
This isn’t a new trick. Former Trump strategist Steve Bannon openly described the method, saying the goal was to “flood the zone with shit.”
The result? People become too overwhelmed to react, allowing those in power to push their agendas without much resistance.
When news fatigue sets in, people withdraw. Ocasio-Cortez urged her followers not to fall into this trap.
She acknowledged the frustration but made it clear that disengagement plays right into the hands of those who thrive on chaos.
“Do not be discouraged by temporary defeats. We keep going anyway. When we are relentless, they will fatigue.”
The lesson is simple: the moment people stop paying attention, those in power can operate unchecked. Staying engaged is the first step in resisting manipulation.
How to Stay Informed Without Burning Out
Staying engaged doesn’t mean drowning in headlines 24/7. Ocasio-Cortez shared practical ways to stay informed without feeling exhausted.
Stepping away from the news doesn’t mean ignoring it completely. Ocasio-Cortez recommends pausing to breathe, going outside, and clearing your mind before re-engaging.
Trying to process every headline is impossible. Instead, pick a few key issues that matter most to you and stay informed on those.
Engage in discussions, vote, sign petitions, and support organizations that align with your values. Small actions add up to big change.
Once you understand that the chaos is intentional, it becomes easier to process news critically and avoid emotional exhaustion.
The Power Still Belongs to the People
The news cycle won’t slow down anytime soon, but that doesn’t mean you have to be consumed by it.
By managing your engagement and taking small yet consistent actions, you can resist the forces trying to push people into passivity.
Ocasio-Cortez’s message is clear: Stay informed, stay engaged, and remember—the power is still in your hands.
Clark is a 26-year-old expert working for consumer protection, Clark has dedicated years to identifying and exposing fraudulent schemes. He is working with NGOs to help people who are victims of scams. In his free time, Todd plays football or goes to a bar.
