I'd rather live life to my own accord than to listen to people tell me what, why, how, and when to worry. I've found that it's much more easier to read and discover facts and other sides to the story which may have been omitted for "viewer purposes," which is why I no longer watch the news.
1. Fear-mongering
Every time I turn on the channel there is a new enemy to fear, or reasons why one should avoid a certain product or situation. I'd rather read and gather information to come to my own conclusion, than to have instilled within me what I should be fearful of and when I shouldn't worry.
2. When did celebrities become major news?
I'm more concerned with what's happening in my own backyard than on what celebrity was just recently wedded. This is what outlets such as TMZ is for.
3. The majority of it is usually irrelevant.
Information on certain events are often time consuming and seemingly unimportant. An entire segment on a bear found asleep in an SUV is not needed when a child has just gone missing.
4. The bad out-shadows the good.
I want to believe that there are more good and kindhearted people wandering the streets than murderers, serial killers, rapists and terrorists.
5. Ratings are prioritized.
Let's face it, like with all televised media, ratings are important--they're what keeps them in business. "The more information we find on this one story, the more viewers will tune in. Let's add cooking segments too."
6. It's OK to remind us you're human.
Professionalism is a must in this industry, but I'd rather see those who actually have a passion for what they do.
7. Repetition seems more important than details.
Repeating the same news story is not quite helpful if there are no new details to present. We know there's a killer on the loose, but can we like get a description? (Relax, this is purely an example, although I'm pretty sure there is one...somewhere.)
8. Not everything is "breaking news."
Hearing "breaking news" automatically grabs my attention. Are we going to war? Is there a new plague? No, a hockey player decided to quit the team.
9. It may impact those who are suffering from anxiety and depression.
I'm sure constantly hearing the world is a bad place does not help with emotional positivity.
10. Watching the news can avert your focus and attention elsewhere.
Is Flint, Michigan still dealing with water issues? Is Kony still at large and abducting children in Uganda? These more prominent issues seem to have taken their leave from the spotlight as we focus on more trivial things.
11. It may hinder your feelings of optimism.
Being optimistic and taking risks play huge roles in becoming successful. I believe that watching the news can play a negative role in decision making. "I think I'll hold off on traveling around the world, just until all the terrorists are found." (Seriously, you wouldn't believe some of the things/excuses I've heard).
12. It can interfere with our attitudes about certain happenings among others.
Something seems as commonplace as local shootings does not garner the same attention and awareness as issues that are fairly new. We cannot act like nor accept such situations as the "norm."
