Timely news and world events have created a 24-hour cycle of chaos that can consume a person.
News travels so fast we only have time to briefly analyze it before another newsworthy event occurs.
The online mainstream media, and social media, are creating a tribal culture that feeds on sites that play to their world views.
What we have is a news overload. Real and fake news stories compete for followers in nefarious ways. They mix entertainment with real news to keep our attention focused on them.
Talking heads insult guests and start arguments for ratings. Web sites offer links to radical groups striving for attention. Truth is tossed around like a football.
I'm at the point where I have to fact check everything I read, regardless of the source. There was a time when I didn't have to do that. When people trusted the major news outlets.
As a journalist, I've watched what's happening to the credibility of the free press with a heavy heart. The public doesn't know who to believe anymore. I can't say I blame them.
So people go to the echo chambers that promote their beliefs, regardless of how inaccurate and illogical they are. It's easier than spending time researching for validity in stories.
The result is the ever-increasing chaos in our culture where everyone is polarized on every subject. Where compromise is mocked, and bullies prevail.
Short of avoiding news programs on TV, podcasts, and the radio altogether, there's no way to clear away all the haters and lies that will muck up your day.
The same goes for reading newspapers, magazines, etc. Your choice is to be real selective, or don't even bother reading any non-fiction.
Reality is really a bummer nowadays. You'll do best, mentally, by controlling your own environment, and what you let in.
Time for me to walk on down the road...
No comments:
Post a Comment