M.A. Kleen

Politics is like alcohol–a little bit is fine, even healthy, but if you start drinking too much things can quickly turn into a sad mess.

We all know someone who seems consumed by politics—the friend or relative who constantly posts political memes, alarmist news articles, and prophetizes how a loss for their preferred candidate would spell disaster. For them, the political opposition embodies everything corrupt, irrational, and even evil. Their emotional state swings wildly between outrage and exhilaration, as if they’re on a mission to save the world, one social media post at a time.

Politics, of course, does matter. I’ve spent most of my adult life involved in it—whether working on campaigns, running for office, writing opinion pieces, or engaging in discussions with friends and family. I keep up with the news, follow a rotation of political podcasts, and stay informed on various viewpoints. In a representative democracy, staying informed about candidates, policies, and the actions of elected officials is both a duty and a way to be an active, responsible citizen.

However, there’s a crucial line between staying informed and allowing politics to overtake one’s life. When politics becomes an obsession, it can lead to fractured relationships, often creating irreparable rifts between friends, families, and even within marriages. Political disagreements have caused lifelong friends to part ways, estranged parents from their children, and in extreme cases, driven people to criminal acts—even violence—all in the name of a fanatical allegiance to a party or ideology.

Anything, no matter how beneficial it may seem, can become an addiction. Take exercise: while moderate physical activity promotes health, exercise addiction can ruin it. When taken to extremes, it leads to injuries, social isolation, anxiety, and poor nutrition. The same principle applies to political engagement. In healthy doses, it fosters civic awareness and community involvement, but in excess, it can isolate and destabilize a person.

According to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (5th ed.), an obsession is a persistent, intrusive thought or urge that occupies the mind repeatedly, causing anxiety or distress and interfering with one’s life. Likewise, something qualifies as an addiction when it begins to cause significant harm to various aspects of one’s life. Political obsession often meets these criteria, with individuals unable to extract themselves from a self-reinforcing echo chamber.

Ironically, in attempting to “save” society, many find themselves sacrificing their own health, relationships, and quality of life.

Political obsession distorts a person’s worldview, creating an “us vs. them” mentality that makes compromise impossible. The opposition becomes not just a group with differing views but a perceived enemy. This lack of empathy and heightened polarization erodes public discourse, discouraging meaningful conversations and mutual respect. The resulting divisiveness harms society as a whole, making it harder to address shared problems cooperatively.

In the end, a healthy relationship with politics requires balance. Staying informed and engaged is crucial in our society, but allowing it to dominate one’s life can lead to stress, isolation, and conflict. We should strive for a civic engagement that is thoughtful and balanced, one that allows room for other important aspects of life. Politics should be a part of our lives, not the entirety of it. By seeking moderation, we can protect our relationships, our mental health, and ultimately contribute to a society where open dialogue and understanding prevail over division and hostility.