This perspective was contributed by New Tactics intern, Chantal Pangula.

As a student balancing classes, a social life, and my passion for activism, staying informed feels essential. But it’s not easy. Every day, there's a new headline: elections that could shift power, conflicts affecting millions, protests for change, or policy decisions shaping the future. Keeping up with it all can be overwhelming, especially when so many important issues seem to be happening at once.

Social media adds to the challenge. It’s great for instant updates and connecting with people. But it’s also chaotic, filled with misinformation, sensationalism, and endless opinions. Sifting through the noise can feel like a full-time job. Staying informed often means choosing what to focus on and what to let go. It’s a balance that’s hard to find.

I want to share a few practical strategies I’ve found useful for staying informed without feeling overwhelmed. If you’ve felt this struggle too, I hope these tips help you stay connected to important issues while keeping your peace of mind.

Step 1: Curate Your News Sources

With news, quality matters more than quantity. I recommend you think about the topics you want to stay informed on and find sources that serve those interests best. Instead of drowning in headlines, I focus on trustworthy sources that are accurate, clear, and unbiased. Some of my go-to sources include Human Rights Watch, Amnesty International and Al Jazeera. They keep me updated on international human rights and often offer deeper context. I also check how different countries report on the same issues for a balanced view.

Step 2: Use Social Media as a Tool

Social media can be overwhelming, but it’s also good for quick updates, especially on less-covered issues. The key is to use it purposefully. I suggest thinking about your personal pros and cons regarding social media. I like its quick summaries and videos on topics I care about, plus the chance to connect with advocacy movements. I follow a mix of accounts, from big organizations like Amnesty International to local activists like Bisan Owda from Gaza and Greta Thunberg on climate justice. Twitter hashtags like #HumanRights help me filter out noise. By setting boundaries, I can stay informed without feeling overwhelmed.

Step 3: Subscribe to Human Rights Newsletters

One of the easiest ways to stay updated is by subscribing to human rights newsletters. They deliver important news directly to your inbox. Saving you time and keeping you informed without the need to constantly search for updates. Many cool organizations that I already mentioned like Human Rights Watch and Amnesty International have great newsletters you can subscribe to. Other really interesting Newsletters include, The New Humanitarian and the Women's UN Report Network, both of which are great resources to get started. They cover everything from policy changes to grassroots movements around the world. These updates are usually well-researched, so you get reliable information in a quick read. By choosing just a few key newsletters, I can stay connected to major issues without feeling overloaded.

Step 4: Join Online Communities and Discussion Groups

Online communities are another way to stay informed and learn from others. On platforms like Reddit, people share news, experiences, and insights on activism. Facebook and LinkedIn groups are also good for social justice discussions and organizing. Just remember to fact-check! As a student, campus groups are valuable too. I’m involved in human rights groups where we work on projects and discuss current events. Volunteering also helps me stay engaged and gain new perspectives.

Step 5: Practice Self-Care While Staying Informed

While I want to stay engaged, I’ve learned balance is essential. I really encourage you to think about how you can make sure to take care of yourself in this process. Constant news can be draining, so I set “news-free” hours to disconnect and recharge. I also enjoy screen-free hobbies like reading or spending time outdoors. Sometimes, I seek stories of success to balance out tough news, which helps me keep perspective. Most importantly, I remind myself it’s okay to step back. Staying engaged doesn’t mean being plugged in 24/7. Taking breaks helps me return with more energy and a clearer mind.

Staying informed is important, but not at the cost of my well-being. By curating news sources, using social media wisely, joining online communities, and practicing self-care, I’ve found a way to stay engaged without feeling overwhelmed. I hope these tips help others find a balance between staying connected to important issues and taking care of themselves.