Good news does not sell. Broadcasting the news brings in viewers. Viewers create advertising dollars. People only watch the news because it is bad. News organizations cater to our basest nature such as our innate desire to look at an accident on the freeway. If we are honest with ourselves we watch the news or read the paper looking for what has gone wrong in the last twenty-four hours. Learning about bad news makes us feel good.
Local news, national news and even talking-head type shows all display the negative. We learn of local deaths, fires and corruption. When larger misery occurs it gains national attention. Various pundits tell us each night about the atrocities committed by the other party. It is as if getting upset excites us. Physically there must be a need, built into our DNA, that requires upsetting emotional input. The dismay, shock and anger we feel brings on some kind of sickening rush of adrenaline.
Of all the publications I have ever seen, and I have read hundreds, I can count the number that have a positive slant on the fingers of one hand. What we read about for the most part are problems. Money is made by publishing and printing all that is wrong with the world. Can you imagine any form of media solely dedicated to all that people do that is right and good? The truthful answer is no.
We learn of all these atrocities, here and abroad, in seconds. Each story is little more than a soundbite. They are thrown at us one after another in a manner that numbs the senses. Surprise, horror, shock, dismay or complete ambivalence are the reactions we offer in return. Anyone who says they are just watching so they do not miss the weather or sports scores is full of shit. We watch because we are entertained.
If we were not receiving pleasure on some level we would simply do something else. This is why there are multiple choices for the viewers. If one station does not offer details graphic enough or details to our liking we change the channel. I will go so far as to suggest that it is our prurient nature that is satisfied when we learn of bad news. I am sure most would argue with my assertion. Yet to them I ask one simple question: If the news is so filled with the vile and evil that is humanity why watch each and every night?
We watch and we read and we discuss because there is a payoff. Any amateur psychologist will tell you that the reason for any behavior is that there is a benefit. We gain something from the act. Liking the act or feeling good or bad is irrelevant. All behavior is linked in some way to a real or perceived benefit. And what sickens me the most is that the benefit for us is pleasure. We gain pleasure from learning about the pain of others.
It matters not whether the pain was caused or felt by a stranger. In reality we seem to get more of a thrill when it is someone we know who has suffered. I am not talking about a family member. Usually when a loved one is hurting we respond in a different manner. I am referring to those with whom we have a passing acquaintance. For those we react the same while adding the trite statement, "It sure is a small world."
What do I suggest as an alternative? How can we fight against our own nature? For many it appears to be impossible. Most are quite happy to be who they are while there are plenty of others willing to feed their need for bad news. It is like we are addicts and the media conglomerates are the dealers. We love our drug. It seems to cost so little. A few bucks a month for cable and a high-definition television are all that is required. We do pay a price though. We pay a heavy price indeed with our very souls.
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