The News Site of Fresno City College

The Rampage Online
The News Site of Fresno City College

The Rampage Online
The News Site of Fresno City College

The Rampage Online
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Is Entertainment Distracting Us Too Much From Real-World Issues?

Story By: Carolyn Bailey, Senior Reporter
September 5, 2024
Photo by: Matthew Echavez
We are often covering our ears and placing a barrier between us and anything that could potentially make us feel bad. We distract ourselves with information that feels good. Sep. 5, 2024. Composite by Matthew Echavez.

Ask yourself, when was the last time you doomscrolled CNN, KSEE24, FOX, or AP’s homepage? Now ask yourself when was the last time you doomscrolled TikTok, Instagram, Facebook or even YouTube looking for that perfect video to watch while you’re eating lunch.

Like many others, I myself  have been stuck browsing TikTok or Instagram for extended periods of time. Typically, this leads to people feeling anxious, detached or angry. 

Hence the name, doomscrolling.

We shouldn’t be doomscrolling any form of media as it can be harmful to your mental health. Because of this, many apps will give you the option to use a screen time limit or TikTok must remind you to “take a break.”

Imagine if we paid as much attention to real world issues as we did entertainment. My first thought is, “well that sounds boring.” But, if we could fundamentally change the way we are invested in real world issues, I believe it doesn’t have to be boring.

There is a fine line between entertainment and the real world’s issues that many news organizations are currently balancing between. The choice of using clear direct language such as facts and statistics can seem uninteresting, so many news organizations use buzzwords and flashy graphics.

This choice is deliberate. 

According to Pew Research Center, “a large majority of U.S. adults [86%] say they often get news from a smartphone” and that “half of Americans sometimes get news from social media.”

This is very telling on how we as Americans consume real world issues. You may go looking for a specific news website or you’re scrolling past news alongside your memes on Instagram.

Consuming news in this way takes the weight and potential importance away from the real world issues. In a matter of seconds you can learn about war followed by five tips on how to have the best morning routine. 

The constant bombardment of news, funny videos, messages and soap cutting compilations alongside Subway Surfers is putting young American’s on a fast track to becoming less attached to the issues that truly matter.

Ultimately, there is a never-ending news media cycle that is by design impossible to keep up with. It can feel at times overwhelming to maintain, and lead to burn out. This then encourages us to look for something entertaining to take that weight off our shoulders. 

This is where we as consumers must enact our own balancing act of maintaining current real world knowledge and content designed to hold our attention captive.

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About the Contributors
Carolyn Bailey
Carolyn Bailey, Senior Reporter
Carolyn Bailey is 28-years-old and grew up in the Madera Ranchos. Here her father owns his own newspaper to which she can attribute her passion for writing and having a strong opinions. She is following in her father’s footsteps by pursuing a journalism major, and desires to one day continue that pursuit into freelance journalism. She loves the idea of being her own boss, and not having to answer to anybody. She enjoys playing video games, like Dredge, Sons of the Forest, Fortnite, The Sims, Donkey Kong, Stardew Valley, etcetera in her free time as well as reading psychological, thriller, horror, and educational novels. She also enjoys Hasan Hasanabi’s Twitch broadcast daily to keep up with her favorite political commentator, as well as H3H3’s YouTube Live to keep up with less political topics. She spent her middle and high school years in advanced art and English classes, with a strong emphasis on maintaining friendships. She also enjoys daily walks to clear her mind and get some fresh air. She has three cats, a Tuxedo, Siamese and all black cat and unfortunately they do not go on walks with her.
Matthew Echavez
Matthew Echavez, Opinion Editor
Matthew Echavez is the Opinion Editor at The Rampage for the Fall 2024 semester. He is majoring in journalism and hails from Fresno, CA.  Journalism was not his first career choice. For the longest time, Matthew juggled with various interests. His lack of direction led nowhere to a solid idea of what he wanted to do in life. From history to video games and sports, he developed all sorts of fads and enjoyments, but not truly anything he could see himself make a career in. This changed when he started in amateur writing. Matthew’s interest in expressing himself better and talking about topics that came to mind allowed him to realize his enjoyment of writing. He took an interest in researching and attempting to convey stories. Though relatively short, this stint nurtured an online audience that encouraged him to continue the self-expression journey. Further involvement in writing would mature with Matthew’s interests in social commentary. He has held many feelings about the world around him. Despite some initial reservations about journalism due to its implausibility as a career, he took the chance after some encouragement. In the future, Matthew would like to work independently as a freelancer, have a quiet job, or become a columnist. In his spare time, Matthew loves to play games and hang out with friends. He also likes to listen to all types of music, especially from abroad, and plays guitar.