You Are What You Consume: Why Content Shapes More Than We Realize

We all know the phrase “you are what you eat.” But in today’s hyper-connected world, it’s just as true to say: 

You are what you consume.

Not just in terms of food or products — but the information, the media, the voices, the energy, the tone of the podcasts, the headlines, the scroll, the memes, and the commentary.

Every single thing you absorb on a daily basis impacts how you feel — emotionally, mentally, and yes, even physically.

The Proof: What You See Shapes How You Feel

In 2012, Facebook quietly ran THIS STUDY involving nearly 700,000 users to see how the content of their news feeds affected their mood. Two groups were created: one was shown mostly positive posts, the other mostly negative ones. What happened? 

• People who saw more positive posts were more likely to share positive content themselves.

• People who saw more negative posts? They mirrored that negativity in their own posts.

This was large-scale evidence of what researchers called “emotional contagion” — the idea that what others express online (or in any space) can influence our own emotional state without us even realizing it.

That means the content you consume isn’t neutral. In fact, it’s training your nervous system.

Why This Matters So Much Right Now

Most of us are in the habit of consuming news, commentary, or opinions every single day — often without thinking twice. And let’s be honest: most of it isn’t uplifting.

Even if it’s factual, the constant stream of negativity, outrage, fear, and division changes the way we view the world. And more importantly, it changes the way we experience ourselves.

This isn’t about burying our heads in the sand or pretending the world is all sunshine. But it is about recognizing that your nervous system was never designed to process a running list of global tragedies before breakfast. It’s too much.
And your body knows it.

Why We Crave Content That Validates Us (Even If It’s Harsh)

Have you ever noticed how good it can feel to listen to content that agrees with you? Especially when it’s strongly worded, even a little aggressive? That’s not random.

Here’s what’s really going on:

When someone believes differently than you, it can feel like a threat — even if it’s not. Your nervous system says,

“If they’re right… does that mean I’m wrong? Am I unsafe?”
And in a state of dysregulation, that’s terrifying. Because the human brain craves certainty when it feels unsafe.

So what do we do?
We double down.
We judge.
We mock.
We follow content that makes us feel right — and dismiss or demonize anything that doesn’t.

Not because we’re bad people. But because we’re just trying to feel safe.

Judgment is a form of false safety. It’s your nervous system saying,

“If I can convince myself that I’m right and you’re wrong, then I can feel okay again.”

But here’s the catch: it doesn’t work.
Not long-term. Not without cost.
Judgment breeds disconnection. And disconnection feeds anxiety.

So What Do We Do With This?

We want to become selective about what we consume.

That doesn’t mean we stop learning or stay in an echo chamber. It means we notice how things make us feel. We pause to ask:

• Is this content helpful or just hyped-up?

• Is it offering information or simply inflaming emotion?

• Do I feel more connected, grounded, and curious after this?
  Or do I feel more defensive, angry, and anxious?

And here's something I personally try to keep in mind:
I stay open to hearing different views — but I pay close attention to how people talk about those who think differently. If their argument requires tearing someone down personally… I turn it off.

It’s possible to disagree with something without resorting to name calling. As soon as I see someone resort to that, I distrust the accuracy of their data. 

You often hear people say, “trust the science”, but that thought is actually unscientific. The scientific method requires you to continue to ask questions. Whatever we “know”, is only what we know right now. And science has shown over and over again that we don’t know nearly as much as we think we do. 

Which is incredibly terrifying for people who are looking for safety outside of themselves. 

A Quick Visual Reminder That Perception ≠ Reality

Let me show you what I mean:

These two blocks are different colors. Is that what you see? How certain do you feel that those are two very different shades of gray?

Now, use your finger to cover over the middle line. The blocks are the same color. 

It’s not a trick. It’s just how our brains fill in the gaps.
And it’s proof that perception isn’t always reality.

This is why nervous system work is so important. Because when we feel safe inside, we can see more clearly outside.
We don’t need to be dogmatic or reactive.
We can stay curious. We can hold nuance.

This Isn’t About Guilt — It’s About Empowerment

I’m not sharing this to make you feel overwhelmed or ashamed of your choices. This isn’t about fear.

It’s about awareness. Because when you realize that what you consume is shaping your reality, you get to take some of that power back.

• You get to unfollow the account that leaves you feeling angry all day.

• You get to mute the podcast that feels more like a rant than a resource.

• You get to choose information and peace.

• You get to feel safe — not just right.

Your nervous system deserves that.

You Don’t Have to Consume Everything

You weren’t meant to carry the weight of the entire world.
You were meant to live, connect, grow, heal, and feel safe.

So take a look at your digital diet this week. Not with judgment, but with curiosity.
What’s nourishing you?
What’s draining you?
What could shift?

You don’t have to do it perfectly. You just have to start noticing.
And from that place of awareness… healing gets a whole lot easier.