Switching Sides

For 12 hours I switched the way I consume news. I am one who does not consume and/or view world news in the traditional way. The only time I am exposed to traditional news stations is when my parents have it on tv, or I hear it as background noise in my house. My main source of news consumption comes from Twitter. With that in mind, I felt it would be most impactful if I were to switch the platform in which I consume news. So, for the past 12 hours I closed twitter and went to CNN.

Within the first moment of really watching and listening to a CNN news segment, it became clear very quick that most of the anchors were opposed to President Donald Trump. As I continued to watch CNN I found the discussion throughout the entire day was focused around Trump and the happenings within the White House. Although it is important to inform the public about the decisions being made that will impact many, at times it seemed repetitive. When there was breaking news or world news that differed from Presidential news it would be talked about and made aware to the viewer. Is bad of me to feel as though when this would happen, it’s as if they would quickly give a brief and/or rundown of the information then jump straight back into Trump talk? I didn’t feel they were giving the new stories the adequate time they needed. Potentially on this day there was not any hard hitting breaking news stories, which could be seen as a positive in light of the distressing yet recent world news.

In contrast to such, Twitter is a rapid paced platform in which allows the user to select which new story they feel they need to know; it is individualized yet also globally immersive. Up until this point I did not even realize the only reason I keep a twitter account is for seeing what’s happening around the world. Anything that happens in regard to news immediately gets picked up by the users of Twitter, circulating and growing the story. I often find myself knowing important news and what has been occurring around the world before my parents who consume their information from traditional news outlets. An interesting issue that this 12 hour challenge had me realize is the actual amount of information I was receiving and processing. With twitter, it is a constant never ending stream of information and stories. Some of which start trending, go viral and are then false, dramatized, or skewed. Due to the information being circulated so quick, the initial articles and headlines put out onto the “Trending” or “What’s Happening” screen are vague and potentially misleading. In comparison to CNN, a news story on their network gets aired with fact checked information and a professional informed delivery.

Both modes of consumption have their positives and negatives, made clear during this 12-hour switch. I was truly made aware about the digital media engrossed culture of today and how that factor implicates the ways in which news is now spread and consumed. CNN, although with its downsides and overly saturated Presidential content, is a reliable and professional news platform. Twitter, while being easier and faster, is a millennial based digital media platform. This brings along some not so professional environments but, has improved greatly in recent years with incorporating actual news headlines and stories for their users to be versed in world news and have a voice with what is happening. Although I cannot say I will be only a consumer of traditional news platforms from here on out, that I have forever been changed, I can now say I will be a consumer of both. I think it is important to have variety in what you are consuming and the ways in which you consume them. Truly being aware of the what’s happening in the world is made easier when it is not all one sided, or all one viewpoint!

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