Guarding My Mind in a Digital World, A Christian Reflection on Negative Media and Peace

    I want to share something that’s been quietly affecting my mindset. As someone who uses a computer daily, I try to be intentional about what I consume, especially at the start of the day. The Bible tells us in Proverbs 4:23,

“Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.”

    For me, that means guarding not only my heart, but my mind, my atmosphere, and my screen.

    That’s why I recently had to reevaluate my experience with Microsoft Edge.

    By default, Edge opens to the MSN news homepage, and I’ve noticed that the stories presented there often focus on rare, negative, and emotionally charged headlines. These aren’t just news updates, they’re stories crafted to grab your attention through fear, outrage, or catastrophe. Without realizing it, I found myself being pulled into a negative mental space before my day even began.

    Over time, this constant exposure to heavy news took a toll. I wasn’t searching for these stories, but they would appear whenever I opened a new window or tab. Even after adjusting my settings to redirect Edge to a more neutral homepage, the content still found its way back.

    Scripture reminds us in Philippians 4:8:

“Whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable, if anything is excellent or praiseworthy, think about such things.”

    That’s difficult to do when your first encounter of the day is a flood of disaster and despair.

    In contrast, when I use Google Chrome, the browser opens to a simple, blank search page. There are no headlines or hooks, just peace. That small difference has had a big impact on my mental clarity and emotional balance.

    This reflection isn’t meant to criticize, but to encourage greater awareness and intentionality, both in companies and individuals. If you work in tech or media, please consider how much your design choices influence people's well-being. And if you’re a Believer navigating this digital world, consider what you're allowing to enter your spirit first thing in the morning.

    Isaiah 26:3 says,

“You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in You.”

    We have a responsibility to steward that peace. In a time when mental health and spiritual discernment matter more than ever, content curation has spiritual consequences.

    I pray that more companies will consider offering peaceful, customizable homepages, and that we as believers will continue to guard our gates, our eyes, our ears, and our hearts, through the wisdom of the Holy Spirit.

    Because sometimes, the most powerful thing you can do for your soul is simply to protect your peace.