My Media Choices: Cartoons, News & More

Hey everyone, let's talk about something we all engage with daily: media. Seriously, from the moment we wake up and scroll through our phones to the evening news playing in the background, media is everywhere. But here's a thought: Do we really need to consume everything that's thrown our way? I've been giving this a lot of thought lately, and I've realized there are certain types of media that, well, I just don't watch. And I'm not here to tell you what you should or shouldn't watch, but to share my personal choices and the reasons behind them. Because, let's be honest, we all have limited time and energy, and choosing what we consume can make a big difference in how we feel and what we focus on. So, grab a coffee (or whatever you're into), and let's dive into the world of my media diet – or rather, the media I don't consume! We'll look at why I've made these choices, and maybe, just maybe, it'll spark some thoughts for you too.

The Cartoon Conundrum: Why I've Opted Out

Alright, let's kick things off with cartoons. Now, before you start thinking I'm some sort of cartoon hater, hear me out. I totally get the appeal. They're visually stimulating, often hilarious, and can be a great escape. Plus, many cartoons have become cultural icons, and I appreciate the artistry and storytelling involved. But, and it's a big but, I don't actively watch them. Why? Well, it boils down to a few key factors. First off, and this is purely a personal preference, I find that a lot of modern cartoons cater to a younger audience. I do not have kids, and I do not work with kids either. And the humor, themes, and pacing often don't align with my own tastes. Of course, there are exceptions – I've enjoyed a handful of shows. Second, the sheer volume of content available is overwhelming. There are so many cartoons out there, across various platforms. Keeping up with everything would be a full-time job in itself, and I just don't have the time or inclination. Then, there's the question of what I'm getting out of it. Let's be real, time spent watching cartoons could also be spent reading a book, learning a new skill, or connecting with friends and family. I have other priorities right now. Plus, I find that too much media, in general, can lead to a sense of mental clutter. My aim is to be selective about what I let into my mind. I try to make sure my focus goes to areas that help me learn and grow. And finally, there are those lingering questions about influence. What messages am I absorbing, even subconsciously? Is the content appropriate? Ultimately, it's about making conscious choices about what I'm exposed to.

This isn't to say that cartoons are bad or that you shouldn't watch them. Not at all! If you enjoy them, great! But for me, the benefits of watching cartoons don't outweigh the costs, at least not at this point in my life. The choice to not watch cartoons is a conscious one. It is a way for me to simplify and to streamline my media consumption. To that end, I feel that's a good place to start, when choosing what media to consume.

Why I Avoid Most News Programs

Now, let's switch gears and talk about the news. Ah, the news. The daily dose of information, supposed to keep us informed about what's happening in the world. But for me, the news is something I mostly avoid. And, it's not because I don't care about the world. Quite the opposite, actually! I'm deeply concerned about current events, social issues, and global affairs. But that is the exact reason I avoid most news programs. Why? Because I've found that the way the news is often presented, in particular on major news networks, can be counterproductive to the goal of actually understanding what's happening. And, for me, this avoidance stems from a few, well-established reasons. First, I find the news to be often overly negative. It's a sad reality, but bad news sells. And to that end, the focus is often on conflict, disasters, and sensationalism. It's designed to grab your attention and keep you glued to the screen, but it can also create a sense of anxiety and helplessness. I'm sure that you've had this feeling! Second, the news is often biased. This doesn't mean that every news outlet is intentionally trying to mislead you, but it's undeniable that different organizations have different perspectives. And for the sake of getting you to keep reading and watching, it's a good bet you will be spoon-fed information. This can lead to a skewed understanding of events, especially if you're only getting your information from a single source. And, of course, the information may or may not be the complete story. Third, the news can be overwhelming. There's so much going on in the world, and the news tries to cover it all. Staying up to date on every issue, every crisis, every political development can be exhausting, and it can leave you feeling burned out. It's hard to separate the signal from the noise, and it can be difficult to make sense of what's truly important. And finally, I've found that the news is often focused on the short term. The news is about today, the crisis of the moment. It's less about the long-term trends, the underlying causes, and the potential solutions. Of course, all of this is my opinion, and you are welcome to have your own. But from all of this, my conclusion is that watching the news, as it is presented today, is not an enjoyable experience.

Instead of watching news programs, I prefer to get my information from a variety of sources. I read articles and essays from different outlets, I listen to podcasts that provide in-depth analysis. This approach allows me to get a more balanced and nuanced understanding of events, and it helps me avoid the negativity and bias of mainstream news. And, of course, the news will always be there, even if you do not watch the news. So, my choice is to be more selective about what I consume, rather than just absorbing whatever is presented on television, or even online.

The Upsides of Media Minimalism

So, by now you might be thinking,