newspaper, television, INTERNET

The amounts of media I consume are at extremes, either plenty of it or close to none. I am shamed to admit I am part of the population that is uninformed about current events. I never pick up a newspaper unless something strikes me on the cover as I run by the newspaper stand on my way to class. I watch little television so I don’t bother to make watching the news a priority. And worst of all, I waste valuable time clicking away on the internet.

My habits have been molded by my lifestyle and how I was raised. Being raised in a household where Vietnamese was the first language, my family did not see the use in prescribing for English newspapers. With my busy school schedule, I barely have time to sleep, let alone afford to turn on the television. Also because of school, I am heavily depended upon the internet; to check email, review lecture slides, and do homework.

Since the start of college, my media habits have been pretty consistent, no newspapers, little television, and lots of internet usage. Because I do not watch the nightly or evening news and because I never read newspapers, I have had to pay with ignorance of current events. A feeling in which, not until recently, did I realize was scary and stupid, not to know how and what things will affect you later on. The internet is a wonderful thing, if used with caution. When I’m not doing homework, I find myself wasting time going to pointless sites. And though I recognize the obvious problems my media habits, good things can come of it too. Because I am not in the habit of watching television, I do not waste my time on useless sitcoms and reality television. Because I use the internet a lot, I have learned a lot. Occasionally, I will click on a news link and read up on current events. Through Youtube, I have learned to knit and crochet.

In order to achieve a healthy balance between my different types of media consumption, I should pick up the newspaper, turn on the nightly news, and restrict my internet use. On Tuesdays and Thursdays, my classes start at 11:30 am. On those days, I should wake up earlier to get breakfast and pick up the New York Times and USA Today so that I compare articles and be more and accurately informed. At night, I should make it a point to watch the daily news at 10 or 11 and go to sleep earlier. For lent, I have given up instant messenger and have restricted myself to no more than an hour’s worth (because I am realistic) of surfing on sites as facebook and perezhilton.