The Daily Me

As I read of another newspaper going under I am saddened. There is something I get by reading a paper copy of the news that I do not get from Internet news. Maybe it is as Nicholas Kristof states that when reading the paper we see the entire papers headlines even if we only read portions where as on the Internet news we go to sites that support our own views.

As he said, "when we go online, each of us is our own editor, our own gatekeeper. We select the kind of news and opinions that we care most about." We don't truly want good information, but rather information that confirms our own beliefs and prejudices.

We all partake in good conversations and may debate, but in practice we associate and converse with those that have similar beliefs. We may enjoy an opposite view, but we also characterize that other belief as silly or not very well thought out. There are times where group of people will meet and they will avoid any political or religious discussion because the culture dictates silence.

The problem with having a Daily Me where you have insulated yourself from other views, is that you've grown more politically segregated and any benefits that come from have a variety of opinions is lost. One 12 nation study found Americans the least likely to discuss politics with people of different views, and is particularly true of the well educated. This results in polarization and intolerance.

The death of print newspaper where on the editorial pages you have several different opinions will accelerate the rise of The Daily Me.

As Nicholas Kristof writes, only getting your news from specific politically supported news groups is that they will act as a narcotic, lulling us into a self-confident stupor. Perhaps the only way forward is for each of us to intellectually spar with a partners whose views we do not agree with...much like a mental workout.

For me it will me having a conversation with my mother????yikes, who is still mourning the retirement of Bush....I guess I'll have to trim that bush for her, but I do believe I will not walk away unscathed. On the other hand what is the point of having a point of view if no one knows.