Why follow the news?

People will often tell me about something that is happening in our world. I'll say I didn't know. I'm always asked the question: "Don't you watch/read the news?" No. I don't. This is my opinion and these are my reasons why I don't follow the news.

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1) The media is filled with negativity. You'll hear more about rape, violent crimes, terrorism, natural disasters and so forth than you will about anything good or reasons to motivate you to keep going. The latter is saved for a short skit at the end of the news, just before the weather. This can give the viewer a very obscure view of the world. It encourages fear rather than exploration.

2) Mainstream news is biased and pre-edited. Most news agencies are owned by a few major corporations. When a small group at the top owns the news, can it really be represented in a free, fair and unbiased manner? I'm skeptical about that one.

3) Headlines are enough. I'll often read the headlines posted on the side of the road whilst driving or pick up the newspaper when visiting someone. It is enough to let you know about what is going on. If a headline really catches my attention, I'll look deeper into it.

4) If it's important enough, I'll find out. When something creates enough hype, be it good or bad, people will talk and word-of-mouth is enough. You'll hear about it. I know about Occupy Wall Street, Gaddafi's death, Steve Jobs' death, the elections, natural disasters and who the mayor is in my city. The things that will cause some sort of immediate disruption in the way the world is run, or in your life, you will hear about. If it is "Breaking News", someone will call you to tell you to switch on the television. This is how we found out about 9/11.

I don't need to follow the news because the people around me will always tell me. I have my own personal news reporters. Isn't that special?

5) Why follow the news, when I can make the news. I like that old adage. "Some people will watch the news, whilst other people will make the news." I'd rather make the news, even if it is just my news and not too many people find out about it. I'd rather live my life than follow the lives of others.

6) It sucks you in. Gossip is addictive. It is like a story. You hear the beginning and you want to follow it until the end. However, following a celebrity or politician vivaciously may mean that you'll do so your whole life. Likewise, T.V. is also addictive and much of our news comes from that tube. Wanting to fit in is also a sort of addiction. Small talk is often about politics, crime and the weather.

7) I like not knowing what tomorrow's weather will be like. I like being surprised. It sometimes leads to spontaneity, and many of life's great moments arise from that. So, I don't mind being the only person carrying an umbrella on a day the weatherman pronounced as "sunny and with clear skies". So what? I didn't know. I like my umbrella. It's a nice accessory to my walk and when I'm tired I can lean on it. Also, it can come in handy as a good weapon to defend myself if I am attacked. On the other hand, if it rains and I'm caught without it, I can follow in the steps of Gene Kelly and just start singing in the rain. Again, if there is a storm ahead, somebody will warn me.

8) The Internet (social-networking) is enough. Most of my news, I read on the Internet. If it's an important topic, people will post it on their Facebook profiles and re-tweet it on Twitter. Also, independent newscasters and blogs will give rougher and more opinionated versions but you get a real feel for the story that way. Yes, this is also biased. However, it is a natural bias. People's opinions are not fueled by ulterior motives or money. Their thoughts arise from who they are. I can accept that.

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I realise this may be a bit "controversial". I'm beginning to use the word often nowadays. Perhaps it makes me seem naive and silly, but this keeps me sane. I'm not living in a bubble. I know what the world is like. I know there is danger out there. I don't ever deny it. It is my choice to influence and take in the best from my surroundings rather than fear them. Some people can follow the news without being affected. I'm not one of them so this works for me...

© Maja Dezulovic 2011