Topic: At present the mass media is very influential, and the lives of many people are affected by the news. Why do you think this is happening? Is this a positive or negative development?

It is being noticed lately that people are constantly checking ‘breaking news’ flashes on their phones or TV and panicking. This is happening because news networks broadcast sensational headlines to capture the reader/viewer’s attention. It certainly is a negative development because this creates panic and psychologically harms the public.

To initiate, advancements in technology have resulted in news flashes being available everywhere, be it at the airport, or railway station and especially on personal phones via Instagram, Facebook, etc. The main cause of this is stiff competition between media companies that are playing on FOMO – the fear of missing out that causes people to constantly check the news. Any sensational bit of news is instantly forwarded to peers or in groups and people start discussing or worrying. For example, the news of the recent gang rape in Vadodara during a prominent festival spread like wildfire and caused anxiety among parents of girls, making them reluctant to allow their daughters to go out at night.

Furthermore, I vehemently claim that this is a negative development because the incessant spewing of news by mass media psychologically harms people. Many become paranoid and don’t leave the house, fearing they will get mugged. News of impending natural calamities often causes them to hoard groceries, thereby creating a shortage. For example, constant social media updates regarding the recent floods in Vadodara resulted in milk power packets vanishing from the shelves of grocery stores.

Stating the compendium, while it is necessary to be aware of current affairs, at times, the need to be the first to break the news may result in fake news being propagated and unnecessary spread of rumors. (266 words)