Ecclesiastes 7:10 Do not say, “Why were the former days better than these?” For you do not inquire wisely concerning this.

I read this and laughed for a minute. Most believe the past was better in some form: society, fashion, work, behavior, etc. The reality is technology may change, but human nature never does. As we transition through our lives, the reality of our corrupt existence should drive us to seek His Will and better our surroundings, instead of lamenting your past naïveté.

Isaiah 8:12 Do not say, ‘A conspiracy,’ concerning all that this people call a conspiracy, nor be afraid of their threats, nor be troubled.

On the opposite side, stressing over things you cannot control nets nothing. It is fine to be aware but use that awareness to seek more intimacy with Our Father to help overcome the trouble within our sphere of influence.

I suggest taking a long break from entertainment, the news, social media silliness, gossipers, and the like. Trust that He will give you the information you need when you need it. When you return to digest the world’s influence again, make it minimal and benign. Why swallow someone else’s bile? If anyone need help, help them, even if it is something as simple as smiling at a person you’d normally ignore.

My main form of entertainment is researching various subjects (Biblical history and languages being tops) and watching people doing actual things, like excavating for a pond, cooking a dish, or refurbishing a car. I have trouble watching sports now because I can spot when certain things are fixed. I don’t watch movies (except Pixar), read certain books, or TV shows because I hate having my emotions (or thoughts) manipulated and most shows are only good for the first two seasons, anyways. Yes, it makes communicating with others difficult, but we are set by him to be an example to them. It has been interesting to see people who thought me weird for not watching TV end up doing the same.