The news might not be the most stimulating or exciting thing that you read all day, but as young, impressionable adults, it’s important to read a newspaper, online articles, or even the Skimm in order to stay up to date on events and issues around the world. Here are other reasons to read the news:
1. If you’re 18 and a voter, it’s good to have some idea of current events! Actually, though. At some point last year, I liked the New York Times on Facebook, because I felt like I should probably have some clue about what is going on in the world (I didn’t know about the government shutdown until like 2 days after it happened). This was actually one of the better decisions that I have made. Just by glancing quickly through my Facebook page, I get quick updates on current events/issues/candidates running for office…and I actually feel better about being on Facebook, because it’s not a complete waste of time!
2. IT’S NOT ALL BORING!!!! Yes, there are some articles that you probably would rather not read. But it’s not all like this. There are some really interesting columns and articles that you wouldn’t necessarily think of being in a newspaper. Like these ones:
The Evolution of Simplicity- New York Times
On Tinder, Off Sex- New York Times
A $1,000 day in New York City for $100- New York Times
3. Some stuff you read here can be great stuff to talk about with new people… Yeah, so you probably won’t want to bring up random facts about political situations you read about in the newspaper in casual conversations. But look at the articles above! These are pretty cool. Sitting around a lunch table with your friends, it’s kind of cool to be able to say “I read in this article about stress relief…” or “Guys! I read this thing about traveling around New York for a day that could cost $1000, but only costs $100! We should totally do that!”
4. It can help with class discussions… If you’re taking humanities classes, like history or English or an American Studies course, it can be really helpful to connect bigger ideas to current events, or to back up some of your points with real evidence from newspapers.
5. Perspective, perspective, perspective… In college, it’s easy to get caught up in the little bubble of campus and forget about things going on outside this little bubble. Reading the news is one way to combat this focus on the self.