Opinion: Students need to direct their attention to the news

Kennesaw State students should remain involved and aware of world events by watching the news on a regular basis.

According to the Pew Research Center, 57 percent of Americans use television to get news. As for popular news channels, Nielsen ratings for the week of Feb. 26 show that most Americans watch MSNBC and Fox News programming.

Watching the news reminds us that others are always in need, and we should try to help if we can. Local news is just as relevant as national news. It is important to stay updated on events in residential areas, local crime, weather warnings and other dangers. Once alerted, people can prepare and protect themselves from the dangers.

Students should also stay clear of fake news and rumors. A study by Science Mag shows that fake news tends to spread faster than real news on social media. Based on the study, articles involving false political news seem to spread the quickest. False data and statistics give articles the appearance of credibility, but incorrect facts lead to confusion, conflict and more problems.

The news is not always about government and politics — news can also be about things that interest students. The Cobb County Courier covers “community-focused news and events that have a direct impact on the quality of life of the people of Cobb County.”

Watching the news can also help students with their career decisions. It lets them know what to expect going into the future by seeing people at work. When students watch professionals perform their jobs, they can analyze their actions and decide if they want to continue on their current career path. Students can also learn about places and people of high standing involving their work.

Staying informed on local, national and international events improves student safety and gets them involved in subjects they care about. Upsetting articles and content will always be there. But, there are also positive, exciting stories to read, and stories are a great way to start up a conversation. Soon enough, this generation will be making the top decisions, and it is our responsibility to be aware of the world.

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