I use the term 'News' loosely. There is news and then there is NEWS. I use the latter to describe the non-stop broadcasting of analysis, opinions, reactions, or outrage over every tidbit, controversial or not, that happens in the world put out by the 'News Channels'. Soundbites and video clips are repeated ad nauseam with the so called experts weighing in. When you have to fill 24 hours of air time, items that were not even worth mentioning in a news broadcast, become 'breaking news'.
It's easy to get addicted to watching the news channels all the time. One has only to stop and think a little and one will realize what little value addition they bring. The hosts of the show don't even try to get people with different viewpoints to the discussion anymore. Even if you agree with the political slant of the particular channel, you can still get outraged depending on the story. And if you don't agree, you will stop watching the channel and switch to one more attuned to your views. Either way you may eventually end up becoming deaf to differing viewpoints.
I wish we could go back to reading the news in the morning and listening to the news at the end of the day, going about our business the rest of the time. But the rise of digital media has meant death to print media. Many fine dailies have gone out of business. Those that are still around find it hard to compete without resorting to the same tactics used by the online and TV channels. At the same time, going online to get the news is also fraught. The search engines have accumulated all kinds of details about the users and the results that you see when you simply search for news are not guaranteed to be some unbiased collection of news stories. They are 'tailored' to you. By following them, you further reinforce the selection algorithm. Once again, you could end up in a bubble. No wonder there is so much polarization around.
You just have to read the comments from readers on the news stories to see this polarization. Of course, it is possible that only those with strong views post comments and they don't reflect a representative sample (at least I would like to think that way). The thing is digital medium allows for instant reactions. It is not like writing a letter to the editor which among other things actually requires a modicum of writing skills. The sheer effort of putting things down on paper and mailing the letter would deter most. And then there's the waiting. Who wants to wait days to see their letter printed? What's the guarantee that people will still be interested in the topic by then? Online, there are no such obstacles. You can remain anonymous too. Since you are talking to total strangers, there are no restraints either.
Strong negative comments could indicate that the reader has stepped out of his bubble and one may think that it's a good thing. But often it just means that they are so immune to changing their mind that they feel they are ready to tackle the enemy. And they are not trying to convince anyone. It is just about scoring a point. You sometimes see long exchanges like a rally in tennis with comments flying back and forth increasing in vitriol, put downs and insults, verbal punches and counter-punches. What a sad way to spend time dueling with people you most likely don't even know.
Even if there is no controversy, the news media love to cook up one. The more inflammatory or extreme the headline, the more clicks it gets and possibly more reactions. So now you have the sites highlighting what is trending, what has gotten more reactions, etc. and clicking on these contributes to the stories becoming even more popular. What more incentive is required for media to look for the most outrageous stories, or to sensationalize even normal news.
The language used by news media, especially online ones is calculated to entice you to click on the headlines. It is also a lesson on how words can be used to create really violent imagery - 'smacks down', 'annihilated', etc. When you read that so and so was 'eviscerated', it sounds scary but don't be alarmed. It is only in a figurative sense. And then you have these - 'the internet is not having it', 'Twitter is on fire', etc. meaning just an amorphous set of people whose opinions likely do not matter to anyone are posting about it among themselves.
Politicians with 'foot-in-the mouth' disease are of course contributing to such stories all the time. They may get 'hilariously trolled' or even 'destroyed' but they will be talked about for a few hours or may be a day depending on how strong the reaction is. But I guess they enjoy any exposure because they have managed to grab a few news cycles. This is certainly very important. One who knows how to manipulate the news can consume all the oxygen in the air waves and crowd out others from getting coverage, a big advantage in today's world.
Apart from politicians, celebrities tend to thrive on media coverage. Even if they don't, the media loves to cover them. They cannot escape the paparazzi. God help them if they step out wearing a mismatched shirt or without make up on (men seem to get away with such infractions though). The fashion police are quick to pounce on them, Twitteratti are all atwitter, and the 'internet will not have it'.
In these challenging times (to borrow a phrase from every other TV ad now), with the lock down, there is a temptation to watch a lot of TV. All the news channels are convinced that it is important for us to know the latest count of COVID-19 cases and deaths (many have a running real-time counter on constant display). I think we can use a break from the news (how strange and sad - from taking a news break we have moved to taking a break from the news) and enjoy the little things around us. I go out and watch the butterflies that are out in full force now in the backyard flitting from flower to flower. I see little birds enjoying a morning shower when the lawn sprinklers go off. It seems all the animals and creatures are going about their business as usual and unconcerned about the 'News'. Maybe you too can focus on the little picture and choose to enjoy the moment every now and then.
13 comments:
So true. And so well put. As always.
Very well written!! Enjoyed reading!!
I completely resonate with what you have written. I watch no TV whatsoever now. I depend on good old "The Hindu" for my daily dose of morning news. I know that this does not necessarily cover all angles in present all view points. But this is the best option I have. Over a period of time, I suspect, this level of sensationalism in our daily news cannot be sustained.
As usual your signature style of writing. A good read. Enjoyed it. Keep the creative flow going on.
Well said! I too take my news in small bites... luckily we are too busy taking care of nonagenarians and full time work - and if i have some time go walking and listen to audio books... or read a kindle. It is indeed depressing to watch news. NPR seems a reasonable alternative in the mornings. One need to alternate between CNN and Fox to see what is happening in different bubbles...
Truly, less is better. Author Neelu points us in the right direction, after providing welcome insight into media communication known as the News.
Nice piece Neelu. Just like reading from the letters to the editor during school days - to improve the language. Brought to mind Shakespeare and Macbeth:
Life is but a tale told by an idiot, full of sound and fury, signifying nothing.
Significantly, I remember the longish walk and breakfast with you last September. Enjoying peacefully with humor books, bird sounds, peacocks, even dogs, cats and rats etc. as you have suggested.
Very well written. Keep it up Neelakantan!
I fully agree with you. Well written
Looks like you do watch a lot of 'news'!
That said, there is too much news because you have to counter all the fake news.
So very true, Neelu!
Well written and agree with every point.
Very well articulated. This sentiment is largely prevalent among people of our generation who grew up in the days when the morning newspaper or the 9 O'clock news on the radio were the only source of "news". But the other extreme is a lot of young kids (in their twenties) I know who do not follow any news at all !
Very contemporary Neelu! Unfortunately, all TV channels including the News-ones thrive on TRP Ratings and 'Awards'! Hence the craze for sensationalizing even the 'titbits'. As you rightly pointed out, time for us to look out into the nature, follow our passions / hobbies and mingle with the people who add pleasantness to our life.
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