Has news become a new form of entertainment for people? The answer may surprise you. News is becoming more dramatic, and many people are turning to it for entertainment. The rise of television has increased the demand for dramatic news. Special-interest groups and lobbyists have also fueled the need for news drama. The resulting drama, controversy, and conflict are compelling. In the end, the news is more than just entertainment.
Since last year, television news has seen record-high viewing figures. With daily updates on lockdown rules and government briefings, millions of people are tuning in for armchair analysis. And while news coverage is a useful form of entertainment, it may actually be harming our health. As a result, many are taking social media holidays to avoid news coverage. But what’s the best way to avoid news overload?
What’s more, American adults are now more likely to consume news on a screen than they do from print media. While TV and digital news remain the most common ways to get news, the number of younger adults is dropping. Meanwhile, most people who get news from print sources report that they read online, while 26% get it from print. And even though print is more popular, mobile news consumption is increasing quickly.
The news can make people believe in bad things. People’s perceptions of certain diseases are often influenced by their own beliefs. The perception of certain types of cancer is skewed by their news coverage. And when news is more skewed than it should be, it can cause more bad feelings. And the news could creep into our dreams. So, is news really just a new form of entertainment for people?
