One of the most common questions I hear when I talk about stepping back from daily news is, “What about emergencies? If you’re truly unplugged, how will you know when there’s a blizzard coming or if something urgent is happening?”

It’s a fair question. And it’s rooted in a misconception about what it means to be a News Hermit, by my definition.

The term “News Hermit” and the imagery of an isolated shack suggest total disconnection from the world, but that’s not what I’m going for. The reality is more nuanced: I’m not cutting myself off from society or ignoring important updates. Instead, I’m creating boundaries that allow me to engage with the world on my terms. I’m aiming to be a connected hermit, one who remains informed but doesn’t live glued to the 24-hour news cycle or up-to-the-second feeds.

Yes, I still read the news—just not constantly. I might check in weekly or when it suits me, diving into the content that matters without being overwhelmed by the noise. And when it comes to true emergencies or urgent events, I trust the systems in place. Alerts will go out. My phone will buzz. Community sirens will sound. There are people whose job it is to keep us safe, and they have effective ways of reaching us when it’s needed most.

The idea that we need to monitor the news 24/7 “just in case” an emergency happens is part of what fuels anxiety and an always-on mentality. It’s also a myth. The world doesn’t stop turning if we’re not constantly plugged in, and our safety doesn’t depend on minute-to-minute updates.

So while I may live my News Hermit approach with the symbolic imagery of a cabin in the woods, there’s a phone line connected to that cabin. I am still reachable, still informed, and still prepared to respond when necessary. The difference is that I’m not spending every waking moment in a state of hyper-vigilance, ready for the next “breaking” update.

This isn’t isolation; it’s intentionality. It’s a conscious choice to engage with the news in a way that maintains my peace while still allowing me to stay safe, informed, and connected.