Desensitization is a drug and we are all suffering from the side effects.

Within the passing months, the news has been especially dark, filling our screens with the first batch of redacted files from Jeffrey Epstein’s array of documents, photos and videos exposing criminal behavior. Following this release, strongly disturbing themes were revealed to the nation; including sexual assault, sex trafficking, exploitation of minors and cannibalism to name a few.

On Jan. 30, the remainder of Epstein and other celebrities’ involvements in these gruesome crimes were handed to the public for full evaluation. The disgusting nature of the files caused an uproar of commentary across various social media platforms, each one bringing awareness to a different detail.

However, the larger discourse of videos has been critiquing society’s ability to ignore the files entirely. Some beg the question: How are you not outraged? Or trembling in fear? Or putting on your conspirator hat?

The answer is simple: our minds are unable to wrap around themes that are not palatable to our own lives. The word desensitization is defined as “the reduction or elimination of emotional, physical or psychological reactivity to a stimulus after repeated exposure.” While many people are familiar with death, whether in our own lives or through media consumption, we understand and accept the process. In contrast, humans are not equipped to deal with harsh themes, as mentioned in the Epstein files, that introduce the true evil of the world. Despite the amount of movies watched or video games played, we are (rightfully so) incapable of imagining how these themes can be presented in real life.

In reality, reading the Epstein files feels unreal and the accompanied proof heavily disrupts our ideation of safety and security. Many of the content creators covering the Epstein files have created multiple videos, each with a new shock factor.

This shock can be very dangerous to the central nervous system, leading to anxiety and even some cases of psychosis. Therefore, it is imperative that we consume at an attainable pace to avoid overstimulation. Do not overconsume the news, only enough to ensure that you are informed. It is very easy to fall into rabbit holes of dark themes that we are not equipped to ingest in such large amounts.

Although the common initial reactions to the files are full of sadness, anger and disgust, allow your brain to process at its own rate; this can still be true while you find ways to fight against injustices. Sticking with your own judgement is the best way to determine how you can safely inform yourself, especially as we discover more and more of the harsh realities of the world.