Older generations claim that ours is the one destined to change the world. Whether this is because we are the brightest or because it is simply necessary to keep our planet alive does not matter. What does matter is that we become educated regarding worldly affairs. Becoming educated is the only way we will fulfill our prophecy and create brilliant ideas to save the planet and stop society's downward spiral.
While reading the news may have the stereotype of boring or mundane, it is anything but that. The news allows us to explore what's happening both near and far. It gives us substantial evidence for the basis of our opinions. It enables us to refute others' opinions. Overall, it prevents us from making false assumptions that make us look as if we are uneducated because, as most of us know, we are a pretty intellectual group of individuals. We have grown up with the internet, thus letting us learn to navigate it as it ages and improves. We have started virtual revolutions and mastered the iPhone; we can spend a few minutes each day reading a news article.
Why can't we apply these technological skills to change the world? The answer is simple: we can. The news is at our fingertips; it is but a mere click away. We no longer have to go to the local deli or have a delivery service drop off newspapers wrapped in plastic to learn what is happening around the world. The multitude of online resources makes it impossible for the technology generation to come up with an excuse for not keeping up to date with current events. There is a story that is waiting to be read, your only job is to read it.
I have also realized the importance of the news through conversation. Whether it is with my family, a professor or a peer, knowing my position on worldly matters has become an important aspect of my life. I enjoy debating or discussing my stance on current events because it gives me a chance to see them from another point of view. While I have stronger beliefs on some matters more than others, I find it interesting when those beliefs are challenged.
Keeping up with the news is vital to the betterment of our lives. Our engagement is crucial as the events, such as those in Paris, are emphasized in the news. There is no way we are going to improve our society without intellectual, sensible and realistic ideas. The only way that these ideas will come about is through critical thinking and analyzing our options. Both of these actions require prior knowledge of the situation at hand, which is why our generation must learn to read, appreciate and engage in the news. We must step up to the plate and accept the responsibility of changing the world; becoming informed is simply the first step to this long process.
