Imagine a world where there was no news to read or watch. It would probably be because there were no people left in it! With a population of over 7.8 billion people, the earth is filled with events occurring all the time. You may not always be in the mood to learn about what’s happening in countries far away or even in your own city, but you can certainly benefit from staying in the know when it comes to current events. Read on to discover three reasons keeping track of the news cycle is important.
1. It Gives You Something to Talk About
You’ll never be boring as long as you have new things to discuss and ponder. The events, ideas, and perspectives you discover when tracking current events can give you an endless supply of conversation topics. Much like how Gregg Roman discusses political issues on his site, a well-informed citizen can have educated conversations with many different kinds of people. If you’ve ever experienced an awkward silence at a party or on a date, you can probably imagine the benefits of always having something new to chat about. You don’t have to argue about topics steeped in controversy, either. There is plenty of good news to read and watch, including positive subjects like technological developments, scientific discoveries, and humanitarian ventures.
2. It Connects You to Other People
Keeping track of current affairs can remind you that you are part of something bigger than yourself. I can help you see others as part of your tribe, not just as “the other.” Once you understand more of others’ perspectives and unique experiences, you can begin to empathize more with their actions and opinions. You may become less judgmental and more able to relate to others with all kinds of backgrounds and beliefs. This can open up astounding opportunities for growth and human connection all around you.
3. It’s Easy and Simple to Do
All it takes to stay abreast of current affairs is a quick logon to social media accounts and a press of the “follow” button. Talk about a low-effort task. Following news outlets and media organizations on social media can give you a quick and painless way to see what the latest news stories are and delve as deep (or as shallow) as you feel inclined to. Other ways to track the news easily include podcasts, radio shows, and email newsletters. Look up organizations that offer unbiased takes on current news stories, or subscribe to services that send daily snippets of current news in bite-sized, easily digestible chunks.
The world is full of an incredible variety of different people, beliefs, events, cultures, societies, and subtleties that make it an unending adventure to live in. Exploring the planet by foot may not be feasible, but it can be simple to learn about the world around you through tracking current events. The internet and modern technology have made it more convenient than ever before, and the benefits of staying up-to-date with today’s worldwide and local affairs are vast and far-reaching.
