The Hermit Trend – Why I Don’t Read the Newspaper, Listen to the Radio and Seldom Watch TV or Go to the Movies
I thought I would do an entry on this as I seem to be in the position to explain this more and more frequently lately and I find myself using this phrase often: “I don’t read the newspaper, I don’t listen to the radio and I don’t really watch much TV.” This typically is my response when someone attempts a conversation with me about a current event. I don’t mean to come across as egocentric as I do not consider myself of that quality, however; there is an inherent value in giving energy and attention to matters close to home. Each of these forms of media have lost a lot of meaning and value for me and here is why… The news is always sensationalized and most people are so desensitized that it is an uphill battle akin to drug addiction: keep upping the dose so it gets more of a reaction. A lot of people are now numb to things that were apalling in the past due to this tendency. Almost all news is bad news. I’m not saying I couldn’t perservere through the day even if I hear some terrible stories, but why subject oneself to such a thing when it is completely optional? Take a look at a newpaper or watch the news and you will notice that it will undoubtedly include one or more of the following things: violence, natural disaster, international warring, negative comments on the economy and death. I’m not oblivious to the existance of these things but I’m not naive enough to overlook the effects this type of information would have on one’s daily psyche. Radio typically consists of two things that drive me away from it — too much banal dialogue and repetitious overplaying of the same songs or music I would never choose to play myself. Technology affords us the luxury of playing any song we want when we want with no interruptions. This is an easy choice in my opinion. I will keep the TV section short — commercials and availability are the two major reasons why TV is almost obsolete to me. Going to the movies has become so much of a hassle these days that it isn’t worth going anymore. Crowded parking lots, a full theatre with the token annoying person(s) directly around you (choosing a seat right near you even though others are readily available) and of course the insane pricing. Not to mention, you can’t pause the movie at any given moment like you can at home. Some will argue at the benefits of the bigscreen. While I can’t argue that it has an unrivalled sound system and picture size, I don’t ever remember watching a movie at home where I sporadically saw white and black spotting and lines appearing randomly on the screen. Switching to plasma or lcd and playing a dvd might be more clear – but then again, most people can do this at home which cements the whole argument. Could it be that someone somewhere wants us to stay home?