This is generally an unpopular opinion, but…I don’t really think we need the news.
It’s basically like being told that a comet is going to smash into the Earth within the year and scientists are working on it, but their chance for success is anywhere between 0% and 100%. That’s cool and all, but I rarely feel like I can actively do anything as a result of being more informed. More information doesn’t empower me to do anything at all. Thus, I have a hard time justifying the self-flagellation.
Personally, I read the news only. While I barely pay attention to videos anyway, when I do I feel like I don’t have time to fact-check and otherwise do my due diligence. If I don’t have to read interpretative commentary, then I won’t. For example, if a news story cites a study or survey, I’ll just go to the source. If someone is quoted, I’ll go look for context around the quote.
That’s how I exert control, anyway lol. It’s mostly inconsequential, probably, but I also like to think that I’m not totally foolish.
That’s cool and all, but I rarely feel like I can actively do anything as a result of being more informed. More information doesn’t empower me to do anything at all.
I know what you mean. I think it’s partly the kind of news that’s encouraged in “bleeds-it-leads” 24h Western news cycles.
A proportion of my news these days is from outside that cycle, and it’s a bit more helpful/normal. For example noticing all the news on the rice production shortage before it impacted local prices.
This is generally an unpopular opinion, but…I don’t really think we need the news.
It’s basically like being told that a comet is going to smash into the Earth within the year and scientists are working on it, but their chance for success is anywhere between 0% and 100%. That’s cool and all, but I rarely feel like I can actively do anything as a result of being more informed. More information doesn’t empower me to do anything at all. Thus, I have a hard time justifying the self-flagellation.
Personally, I read the news only. While I barely pay attention to videos anyway, when I do I feel like I don’t have time to fact-check and otherwise do my due diligence. If I don’t have to read interpretative commentary, then I won’t. For example, if a news story cites a study or survey, I’ll just go to the source. If someone is quoted, I’ll go look for context around the quote.
That’s how I exert control, anyway lol. It’s mostly inconsequential, probably, but I also like to think that I’m not totally foolish.
@PeepinGoodArgs
I know what you mean. I think it’s partly the kind of news that’s encouraged in “bleeds-it-leads” 24h Western news cycles.
A proportion of my news these days is from outside that cycle, and it’s a bit more helpful/normal. For example noticing all the news on the rice production shortage before it impacted local prices.