How endless crises are rewiring our brains for constant fear

A new essay examines how constant exposure to global crises fuels widespread anxiety. The author argues that modern life bombards people with fears—from conflict to economic instability—without offering real solutions. Their critique compares today's news cycle to a self-destructive 'all-you-can-fear buffet'.

The piece highlights how conflict has become a diverse, distant spectacle, offering something for everyone to dread. Ongoing conflicts—like the fifth year of the Russia-Ukraine conflict, fragile ceasefires in the Middle East, and rising tensions in Asia—contribute to what the author calls 'panorama fear'. Economic struggles, such as inflation and trade disputes, are also framed as creeping threats, noticeable only after the damage is done.

The author claims humans lack the capacity to process so many simultaneous crises. They describe collective fear as a form of 'delusions of grandeur in a minor key', where individuals convince themselves their anxiety matters globally. Yet, the essay argues, the world remains indifferent to Western fears, and the word 'we' often becomes a place where responsibility vanishes.

To combat this, the author recommends replacing fear with contempt and limiting news consumption to once a day. They also suggest itemising fears to avoid emotional overestimation—comparing it to an audit by the 'IRS of the soul'. Meanwhile, artist Aida Loos continues her 'Zeitloos' tour, with an upcoming performance at Kulisse Wien on February 25.

The essay concludes that modern society is overwhelmed by crises it cannot control. It warns against passive consumption of fear and urges a more measured approach to global events. The author's advice centres on reducing exposure and reframing anxiety as a personal, rather than collective, burden.