One of the principle problems with technology is the amount of information available. With an endless stream of stories and data flowing across the Web, information is easily buried.
As a result, folks have come to categorize their information – through very niche RSS feeds, news sources and blogs — and only pay attention to what they know already interests them.
However, this could lead to the downfall of America.
As newspapers collapse across the country and fewer people read the ones that remain, information slips through the cracks.
One of the best things about newspapers is the sheer magnitude of information contained within a relatively low number of pages. Stories that one could have easily missed are easily found when reading the newspaper.
A parallel example is how many people get their fix of entertainment today.
Instead of listening to the radio, as past generations have, an increasing number of folks are listening to niche stations on satellite or Internet radio or to mp3 players where they only hear music that they want. So much for discovering new tunes.
The same is true concerning television on the Web. Folks miss commercials advertising other programs. So much for expanding our horizons.
By tuning into the same beats, shows and news feeds, an alarmingly high percentage of our society is avoiding anything that makes them think — let alone challenge preconceived notions, beliefs or concepts.
While the influx of information available to all of us is a wonderful thing, it is more important than ever to develop a well-balanced perspective on the world around us — something newspapers do — or our democracy could collapse. Remember, a strong press is necessary to have a strong democracy. Citizens need to understand what is happening around them in government to make wise choices and select the best people to represent their particular interests.
