That is called operant conditioning in a negative sense.

It is a result of being repeatedly manipulated and having the reinforced on a regular basis and it can be done via reward or punishment. In this case, it is more of the latter. When it becomes an automatic, emotional response it is just like a Pavlovian reaction. It can take you from informed responses and actions right into the throes of emotive reactions that can become habitual. Once that spiral begins, you find yourself being heavily impacted by crafty abstractions that often are intended to bypass a mindful and careful investigation and interpretation of events and information.

Our emotions are our own even if they seem like they are the product of what we are projecting them onto. The results may reflect something within us, but if we are conditioned by certain stimuli then it is easy to put the onus on the external conditions an that is a factor in media news cycles and in regards to manipulators like Trump. It is in that sense, he is manipulating both sides of the coin.

So, it is very possible to recognize the syndrome, pull back, reflect and ground yourself first without agreeing with or condoning deplorable actions and egregious behaviors. In fact, you will have more clarity and capacity by reclaiming your energy and curbing the indignation that is being intentionally invoked.

One's energy and health are important in these times, so do your best to recognize this and just walk through that wall because it is imaginary.

I appreciate the thoughtful response.

Getting him, and all of them, out of office will go a long way toward curbing my anxiety toward that little script W on my phone!

Yes, we all await the relief of that event.

Meanwhile, just recognizing this response and knowing what it is can go a long way to bring you some relief and allow you to feel much better.

Start with NOW. Things are the way the are right now and that is a fact, regardless of our judgements or preferences about how they are. In fact, things are currently more like they are now then they ever were before. Keep coming back to that often and setup your base camp there.

Not seeing anything for an extended period is like when the kids go quiet in their playroom. You just know something is going on...

First you think "oh, what the hell has he done now" followed by "Sigh, ok , it's only an 8 1/2 out of 10 shitty thing. The world won't be blown up... today".

It isn't good for us.

https://www.inquisitr.com/4923191/smartphone-notifications-change-our-brain-chemistry-causing-constant-stress-and-anxiety/

Many of us feel like that from time to time, it's like hearing the phone ring at 2 in the morning, it's probably not good news. Most of the time when you get those news alerts, it isn't good news either. There has been so much crazy happening, and lately it has been a very fast paced breaking news cycle - to have two mass shootings happen in 24 hours was just unbelievable!

The notifications are designed to intrude on your head-space. The goal is to drive engagement with the app but at the expense of your peace of mind.

BTW, I am not advocating for a head-in-the-sand approach by any means. Read the news! Just do it in your own time. Our devices are designed to suck up as much of our attention as possible and they will drive you to insane levels of anxiety if you don't exert control.

I really need to turn these things off.