In today’s political climate, it’s interesting to think about which students keep up with the news and which don’t. With so much happening around the world, staying informed is more important than ever. Certain students avidly hunt to get their news while others tend to avoid it. While it may not be essential to understand everything about politics or the stock market, it is essential to have some sort of grasp on the state of the world. Besides, not all news has to be about the upcoming election.
News reporting has undergone massive technological changes since its origin, and it has allowed information to be more accessible than ever before. Everyone is exposed to news whether they like it or not, ranging from an accidental glance at the nightly television news or a news ad on a phone. Information is all around, and its intake is heavily ingrained in our society, but what makes it appealing? Should students prioritize being informed?
News is not just a way to divide people, it also has the ability to unify us and connect similar ideas or spark respectful discussion. Students at Hoffman were asked about their news intake habits and its varying importance to everyone.
“I think it’s important that students be informed because changes in society [can] impact quality of education,” said Hrishi Sunder, senior. “Outside of an educational environment, students are able to communicate better with their peers. I think the media can boost literacy with real everyday problems that can hold a lot of weight.”
Being informed on current events isn’t only useful as small talk with teachers, or helping ease an awkward conversation with an older relative, but even has benefits in classes themselves.
“I believe that reading the news is very important for the younger generation because we are approaching the time in our lives where we must begin forming political ideas and opinions. And so, watching current events play out is crucial to developing political identities,” said Sam Wickey, junior.
Having outlined use and implementation in staying updated by all sorts of media, the question of why arises. When and why do people around us read?
“It depends, sometimes I read in class or I get it from TikTok or Instagram. I think of the news from time to time [too], like applying it to my life. [Topics like].. Do we need AI for school or should I stop because there are other ways to find help? It’s all very interesting to think about,” said Anousha Ali, senior.
News can be controversial, and it’s just as important to understand why some people don’t turn to it instinctually for updates.
“No, I don’t feel like the news provides good information because I feel like it’s all very biased,” said Maja Ziobro, sophomore. “I use TikTok and I trust it more than, let’s say, Apple News. I think it’s uncensored and provides real opinions from real people not like media conglomerates.”
No matter where students choose to get their news or whether they believe it’s important or not, staying aware of the world is valuable to any student. While the news may not resonate with everyone, hearing different perspectives can help shape our own understanding and opinions, which is an essential and necessary part of personal growth.
