I wanted to see what life would be like without the negative inputs that can come from media. So I cut out everything: no liberally biased NPR radio, no conservative leaning Fox News, no news at all except for collateral information gleaned from posts on Facebook or Twitter.
What did I learn from this experience? Well, mostly that the old adage “if it bleeds, it leads” is absolutely true, especially in San Antonio. Although I never purposely turned on the news, there were a few times I couldn’t help but hear it because it was on a television at a restaurant. After not seeing the news for several weeks it really stood out that what our local news agencies report the most is bad news. It made me wonder why I needed to know that someone crashed on 1604 and died, or that someone robbed a cell phone store in Leon Valley, or that two morons were charged with drunken boating. How did these stories enhance my life? Why was this news that everyone in San Antonio needed to know?
Some people will simply say “don’t watch it, just change the channel.” That’s a problem for me because I’d like to know the news, the real news, the news that makes a difference in people’s lives; like how people are helping the homeless in San Antonio and how others can, and should get involved. I want to know what our government is doing in this city and state, and how our representatives are actually representing us. I want to know about events like festivals, and stories about the hundreds of good and kind acts that happen in this city every day. What I don’t want is 30 minutes of news that has two good stories and 25 bad.
So what now? Has my social experiment changed me in any way? I’d have to say yes. It’s helped me see what is important. Without the constant intake of injustice and inhumane acts from around the globe, I’ve spent the past 40 days not worrying about all the things going on in the world and concentrated on the vicinity around me. The place that I can really be effective.
Don’t get me wrong, I pray for the entire planet on a regular basis. But getting my stomach in a knot about how Gaddafi or some other despot is treating their citizens doesn’t do anything to enhance my life. I know there will be injustice, that’s a given in this world. But knowing about every instance of it only brings us down.
Overall, I’ve felt better the past 40 days not having the “news” in my head. I’ll probably watch some news now, but I don’t think it’ll be the same. Maybe I’ll start a “pleasant news” network where for every bad story that has to be reported, 20 good stories must follow. Ha!
My advice to all of you is to unplug like I did and see how your life changes. If you’re a media junky and think that you have to know every news story that gets broadcasted, then that’s your god. Take a break from it and see how you feel in 40 days.
“God, thanks for this experience. It’s helped me become more focused on meaningful use of my thoughts and time. And oh yeah, to celebrate Easter can you tell Jesus 'Happy Resurrection' from me. I know that was a pretty busy day and we all appreciate His sacrifice and love for us. We love Him back. Amen.”
