Evolving patterns: my transformative journey as a news consumer

Growing up in a tranquil town along the picturesque western coast of India, I cultivated the habit of perusing newspapers from my father. Returning from school each day, I would eagerly grasp the newspaper, seeking solace in a quiet corner where I could immerse myself in the printed tapestry of facts and stories, both hard and soft, that unfolded a world distinct from my own. Often, I would ponder, “Who penned these words?”

Reading the news not only endowed me with knowledge but also honed my communication skills and enriched my vocabulary. It sculpted my identity into that of a confident individual, one who proudly represented the school in various competitions such as quizzes and debates. My insatiable thirst for knowledge fostered a well-rounded outlook on various aspects of life.

The habit of reading newspapers persisted throughout my school years until I left home for the first time to pursue an undergraduate degree in journalism. A transformative shift occurred during this period. As Bird (2011: 493) insightfully notes, “Changes in viewing habits are associated with major changes in the life cycle.” Whether it be the transition from childhood to adolescence, leaving the familial nest, or other pivotal life events, these changes naturally evoke shifts in viewing habits. In my case, this proved to be undeniably true.

The journey from the familiarity of my hometown to the pursuit of higher education in journalism marked a turning point. As a student of media, I delved into the intricacies of journalism ethics, values, and the critical concept of press freedom. Throughout my academic journey, a realization dawned upon me regarding the evolving landscape of news delivery, particularly in India. I became acutely aware of how the media, whether in print, broadcast, or radio, seemed to sway towards influencing rather than purely informing, contrary to its fundamental role.

During my transition from adolescence to adulthood, I observed a shift in my news consumption habits, spurred by a growing concern over the increasing prevalence of news distrust and avoidance. One particular incident etched vividly in my memory underscores this phenomenon. It unfolded in India, where students from a prestigious university were accused of raising anti-India slogans and endorsing Kashmir’s secession. The incident, magnified by the media, sparked a nationwide uproar. However, what stood out during this time was the misrepresentation of facts by both mainstream and social media, resulting in the unjust vilification of innocent individuals and the misguided shaping of public opinion.

Upon completing my graduation, I secured a position in a prominent news organisation, thrusting me into the heart of a bustling newsroom where the pulse of news resonated 24/7. Immersed in this environment, my media experience underwent a profound transformation, blurring the boundaries between work and personal life. The once-ingrained habit of leisurely reading newspapers gave way to digital consumption of news on various social media platforms.

My transition from a passive receiver of news delivered through traditional outlets to an active consumer on social media marked a significant shift. Now, not merely an audience member, I found myself donning the role of a journalist responsible for producing and disseminating diverse media content daily across various social media channels.

The relentless demand to stay abreast of news at all times exposed me to an overwhelming abundance of information, surpassing what was genuinely necessary. The constant access to social media, with its deluge of news updates, resulted in what Tang et al. (2021) define as information overload—a situation where individuals feel inundated, struggling to process the influx of information effectively.

In reflecting on my evolving news consumption patterns, several observations came to light:

• I found myself skimming through content without always verifying its accuracy and authenticity.
• I made a conscious effort to explore every facet of a news story, acknowledging both the positive and negative aspects, yet harbouring trust issues with the information.
• The sheer volume of information exceeded my attention limits, often leading to news fatigue.
• The prevalence of negative and distressing news left me feeling overwhelmed.

As a consequence, my interest in news waned, prompting a deliberate reduction in online information consumption. These observations underscore the challenges faced by media professionals navigating the evolving landscape of digital news consumption, emphasising the need for effective strategies to manage information overload and maintain a balanced and informed perspective.

Image by Chen from Pixabay

During my four-year tenure as a journalist in one of India’s prominent mainstream media organisations, I observed instances where the media exhibited biases. These biases extended beyond political leaning to encompass the dissemination of misinformation and the promotion of one-sided narratives, ultimately misleading the public. Regrettably, my organisation, like several others, selectively covered news that did not cast the ruling government in a negative light. This practice involved selling incorrect narratives, promoting outright lies, and engaging in partial reporting. Beyond being ethically questionable and in violation of fundamental journalistic principles, such practices contributed to the spread of misinformation and disinformation. Despite the evident ethical lapses, our website consistently maintained high traffic, with a substantial number of readers actively engaging and sharing news online.

My political convictions seldom aligned with the stance of the organization I worked for, leading to internal conflicts and a questioning of my own identity. Navigating a professional space where perspectives differed significantly from my own proved challenging and, at times, tumultuous. Throughout my professional life, I often felt compelled to wear a metaphorical mask in the presence of superiors and bosses. Georgiou (2017) characterizes identity as “malleable,” emphasising its connection to the presentation of self to others—an ordinary performance (see Chapter 6). The discrepancy between my work identity and my true self became apparent, leading to a sense of discomfort. I found myself “acting” in specific ways around colleagues, a feeling I detested because it meant not being authentic.

Juggling these dual identities proved challenging, requiring careful consideration of which aspects of my personality to reveal to different audiences. It became challenging to disentangle from my work identity. An incident outside of work hours further highlighted this struggle. Attending a protest in Delhi in 2019 and going live on my private Instagram account resulted in my boss advising me to leave immediately, fearing repercussions as it violated office policy. This experience underscored how staying true to my values posed a threat to my carefully curated work identity, leaving me torn between professional expectations and personal authenticity.

Faced with challenges like news information overload, misinformation, and biased reporting that raised doubts about the credibility, reliability, and objectivity of news, I consciously opted for a shift towards subscription-based news consumption. In 2020, I subscribed to Newslaundry, recognised as India’s inaugural subscription-driven website, according to Wikipedia.

The shift to Newslaundry brought about several notable changes in my news consumption habits:

1. Elimination of news information overload. Subscribing to Newslaundry relieved me from the burden of information overload, allowing me to focus on a curated selection of news.
2. Exposure to high-quality content. The subscription model facilitated access to more high-quality content, enhancing the depth and breadth of my news consumption experience.
3. Heightened sense of trust. With a subscription-based approach, there was a noticeable increase in my trust in the news received, as it came from a source that prioritized credibility and reliability.
4. Control over news consumption. I gained full control over my news consumption, being able to select, prioritize, and navigate through the content according to my preferences.
5. Discernment between authentic and fake news. Subscribing to a reliable news source like Newslaundry equipped me with the tools to differentiate between authentic and fake news, contributing to a more discerning and informed news consumption pattern.

As I navigate through the twists and turns of this media journey, the realization dawns that the interplay between personal anecdotes and theoretical insights has not only enhanced my understanding but has also fostered a more discerning approach to news consumption and production. In this intricately woven tapestry of reflections, my journey with news emerges as a nuanced narrative, influenced by the changing landscapes of media, my evolving roles as both consumer and producer, and the ever-shifting dynamics of the information age.