I recently downloaded the FOX News App on my phone. When asked if I wanted to be alerted to Breaking News headlines, I opted to “allow” my phone to send me notifications. I figured it was about time that I became more aware of what was going on in the world. I have one roommate who’s addicted to the news and one roommate who’s obsessed with the presidential campaign. When they had impressive and intelligent discussions about current events, I felt ignorant and out of the loop. I didn't enjoy that feeling, so I decided to do something about it. I can’t describe how good it felt when I informed them about Carly Fiorina and Chris Christie suspending their campaigns. They were both shocked when I tactlessly broke the news, and quickly jumped onto their computers to ascertain exactly what had gone on. It was fun.
But, as I continued getting these notifications which were all prefaced with the words, “FOX breaking news,” I was struck by what FOX considered “breaking news.” It’s interesting to see that Bruno Mars won Album of the Year at the Grammy’s, and also who won the Westminster Dog Show popping up amongst the headlines keeping me updated on the presidential campaigns, and the amount of people killed in various terror attacks and of course, who emerged from the Super Bowl victorious. I guess it's just necessary for FOX to cater to all the different interests of the demographics they target.
Of course, I’m not picking on FOX: CNN is no different. Going through their Snapchat presence can produce a wide range of emotions. I read about the presidential campaigns and watched videos about the latest terrorist attack, and also saw pictures of technological innovations, the latest fashion upset on the red carpet, and which celebrity broke up with their ex for the third time.
When you open a newspaper (not something regularly done by the average college student these days, myself included) it’s split up into different sections to help you compartmentalize your emotions. There’s the business section, the Arts, News, Sports --you get to choose what you care about. Now, with headlines coming at me 24/7, I have to process on the go. I think that this new form of how we get our news, and what topics are covered is a reflection on our societal values as a whole. It seems that we care just as much about “Keeping up with the Kardashians” as we do about if it’s going to be Trump or Clinton leading our country next.
We care equally about the newest app and the latest tragedy. Now I’m not saying it as a judgment call at all - I just find it interesting. I definitely think that we should be updated on all the different events going on in the world. I just don’t necessarily agree that the winner of the Westminster Dog Show, or who lost visitation privileges is “breaking news.” That’s not to say it isn’t newsworthy — but it’s definitely not “breaking news” worthy.
