ATS, you guys bring me tons of knowledge but maybe I'm better off being ignorant. I'm tired. Help

Hello. I'm new here.

When I first found ATS (last week), I absolutely loved reading about all the "truths" and conspiracies behind everything (media, 9/11, aliens (WTF), health care, Obama's bc was PHOTOSHOPPED WTF, chemtrails WTFFF etc etc.)

But

As I am discovering more and more about what has really been going on in the world, it just kind of gives me a headache and I am becoming more and more worried about the future....before ATS, I was just one happy ignorant dude, believing that USA was just such an amazing country (i used to have a lot of pride), and that the MSM was real nonscripted honest news.......yea yea i know.

Here is the dilemma.....All this alternative news and theory stuff is all too INTERESTING. I can't stop digging deeper and deeper into it. It's just too much fun....but then, the more I dig into it, the more worrisome I become of LIFE and the FUTURE. I didn't know America was in such a terrible state..........

I've also become WAY too skeptical of EVERYTHING that i hear. The first thing I think in my head when I hear something on the news is "So why would TPTB let this information out to the public?" It's really killing me.

So please, ATSer's, how do you find your balance between being ignorant and knowing the inconvenient truth?

Help.

reply to post by CleanCare


Don't overload yourself!

Knowing your enemy is crucial in this day and age! However, when you feel the information is sucking the life out of you, take some time to regenerate and enjoy your friends and family for awhile!

Not only will you feel better, but those you love will much appreciate your company.......

Knowledge can be as destructive as it is constructive if you do not get too addicted to it...

reply to post by CleanCare


It's called taking a break.

I take a few every year. A few weeks without ATS or any kind of conspiracy content. I stay away from the news in general other than local stuff and find myself new places on the internet I've never been before.

It changes the perspectives around quite a bit. Once you realize what's around the world and how everything is really just a giant game to a very few, with the rest of us holding the bag in the end, it's hard to look back.

~Tenth

It helps if you have people in the real world you can talk to face to face about what you learn on ATS...

I don't have many people I can talk to about this stuff and so it drives me a bit demented sometimes... When that happens I say goodbye to ATS for a while.

But I always come back eventually because I'd rather know the truth than bury my head in the sand

reply to post by CleanCare

It takes time.

Don't just be skeptical in one direction. Be just as skeptical of the conspiracy, as you are of the official story. It isn't about the conspiracies. It's about learning to use critical thinking skills, learning to think for yourself, and questioning everything. You'll be fine. Take a break. And come back later. You still have a life to live, and people who depend on you, no matter what is going on in the world. Remember that. Stay grounded!

CleanCare




I've also become WAY too skeptical of EVERYTHING that i hear. The first thing I think in my head when I hear something on the news is "So why would TPTB let this information out to the public?" It's really killing me.

So please, ATSer's, how do you find your balance between being ignorant and knowing the inconvenient truth?

Help.

Skepticism is a good thing when dealing with threads and posts on ATS as well. Most of the time it's not "knowledge" its conjecture, opinions, suppositions, ideology, disinformation, agendas, pitiful cries for attention, and outright lies.


It's entertainment not education. Keep that in mind. Many see ATS as some sort of digital hallowed ground of secret information; it's not!! Sure it feels good to think so and pretend you are hip and privy to secrets; focus on reality not internet circle jerkin!

This I'm sure is an unpopular opinion and you know what they say about opinions.....

Don´t worry !
There is also funny side in ATS.. to be discovered
At first ATS is overwhelming but you get used to it.

If you take life too serious, eventually it´s a life wasted.

And welcome to ATS !

Run away now!

The rabbit hole just gets deeper and deeper and you can end up allowing it to envelop your life.

In all seriousness though, do some research for yourself. Don't believe everything you read, look at the sources and how viable they are. Look for other sources to verify any claims being made. Taking breaks from the internet helps for sure. I have at least 3 months a year away from forums.

Good luck.

I just lock myself in a padded room, mumbling incoherent sentences for 8 straight hours, once every 3 months.

Dont forget your helmet!!!

I now pronounce you awake and aware

reply to post by CleanCare


Within the hallowed halls of ATS you will discover ultimate hope walking hand in hand with utter despair. During your time here you will be caught kissing both behind the bike sheds.

Enjoy the ride.

reply to post by CleanCare

What they all said, plus...not everything you read here is actually happening or will happen. The same as with the MSM, don't believe everything just because it's in print (in this case, in electronic photons). Lots of doom talk is just doom porn, and other areas you may feel uneasy reading about may be just someone picking the wrong needle out of the anthill (ouch!). And remember, this is also a playground for adults, and you can play a lot here (check out my Calvinball thread and all the fine music threads). And more importantly than any of that, have fun, and welcome!

I've always had a healthy fantasy life. Jumping in here was just like jumping into any one of my mental "what if" sessions. The key is to view things here as a giant brain-storming session and to know your limits of what you are or aren't willing to accept in terms of reality, plausibility, belief and complete fantasy.

Most of what goes on here is a reasonably open-minded, more or less no holds barred discussion of interesting tidbits of news based on what you know or think your know with a bunch of others all attacking it from the same perspective. Given that there are people here with all kinds of experiences and belief foundations, there can be some interesting angles to posit.

Just don't take things too seriously. It's more for fun than it is all in deadly earnest.

reply to post by CleanCare


After taking the red pill, illusions start to shatter one after another and you start seeing the world as it really is. Once that happens, it's pretty hard to look back. From a movie yet so close to reality.

As others have suggested, taking a break is a wise exercise when things become overwhelming...

Then again, trying to take everything with a grain of salt is also another wise venue.

Up to you.

Oh, and Welcome to ATS, CleanCare !!!

Hello CleanCare!
I respect all of the people who have posted above me, and they have given you wonderful responses!

Most of us have to take a break from the conspiracies and focus on our 'real' lives for a period of time. You don't go back to the 'old you' though...you see more, think more and question more. That's okay. You might also find that you really cherish the good days, happy moments and special people in your life.

It's all about balance. Too much of anything isn't good for you. Enjoy your time here...and your time away!
jacygirl