The process of desensitization often creeps up on us unnoticed. An example is our reaction to news about school shootings. We find ourselves scrolling past, briefly glancing if it catches our interest. Maybe we spend a moment looking at details, maybe engage in a conversation with peers or feel anger toward our representatives. Yet, ultimately, we scroll on, awaiting the next headline. It’s a disconcerting cycle that has become all too normalized.

The routine response of scrolling past this news is symbolic of a broader societal issue: the fleeting attention and minimal emotional investment reflect a trend of desensitization. It’s crucial to recognize how this is a departure from what should be a natural empathetic response to tragedies. The danger is not just the event itself but our collective ability to swiftly move past it and disregard it to the background noise of our already information-saturated lives. Acknowledging this abnormality is the first step towards fostering a society that values empathy and engagement over indifference. 

This detachment from such grave events has become a concerning social norm. The initial shock and horror that should come with this news seem to diminish with each occurrence. It’s as if layers form over our sensitivity, allowing us to swiftly move on to the next piece of information without fully grasping the gravity of the situation. 

Becoming compassionate in the face of this desensitization requires deliberate effort to reconnect with our empathy and engage with the human stories behind these headlines. It starts by acknowledging the numbing effect. Choose to understand the experiences of those affected by tragedies, and place yourself in their shoes to appreciate the depth of their suffering.  Conversation creates empathy and inspires us to share perspectives that build awareness of the impact of such events. By recognizing our shared humanity and actively working to become compassionate, we contribute to a culture that values empathy over apathy.