As we step into 2018, marking the 2018th year since the birth of Christ, a common practice among individuals worldwide is to set New Year’s resolutions. Traditionally, these resolutions serve as personal guidelines for the upcoming year, often fueled by celebrations that include overpriced beverages and the shared excitement of a fresh start. This ritual follows a trend in which previous years, particularly 2016 and 2017, were frequently denounced as among the worst in recent memory.
The effectiveness of New Year’s resolutions is often fleeting, with various studies suggesting they typically last only a few weeks to less than two months. While I personally do not subscribe to the tradition of setting resolutions, I found myself contemplating personal objectives as early as December, opting to implement changes ahead of the new year.
The Internet has transformed everyday life, allowing for enhanced communication, education, and even leisure activities like binge-watching shows on Netflix. Its influence has also extended to journalism, where barriers to entry have been lowered, enabling a wider array of voices to emerge. This democratization presents both opportunities and challenges, as the method of news distribution and consumption has shifted dramatically.
Online journalism has become increasingly reliant on catchy headlines, often overshadowing the actual content of the articles. Unlike traditional print media, where the main story complements the title, digital platforms prioritize eye-catching phrases, which can sometimes skew the substance of the reporting. The relentless pace of the online news cycle leaves little room for thoughtful analysis or reflection, as seen throughout the chaotic political landscape of 2017.
During this tumultuous year, American media outlets, known for their vast resources and influence, found themselves reacting to the continuous stream of alarming news from Washington, often fueled by President Trump’s social media activity. The prevalence of “knee-jerk writing” became characteristic of this news cycle, where immediate reactions dominated over deeper, more meaningful discourse.
In light of these observations, I have made a conscious decision to distance myself from the constant churn of daily news in 2018. This decision is particularly challenging for someone like me who is actively engaged in the industry. Instead, I aim to invest my time in material that has undergone extensive development over months or years and that offers well-considered ideas and perspectives.
This is where books come into play. Unlike many online articles that may rely on flashy headlines, books—whether fiction or non-fiction—embody the culmination of significant effort and time from their authors and editors. This thorough preparation allows them to provide comprehensive insights that often elude the rapid reporting of current events.
Moreover, immersing myself in literature provides an opportunity to escape from the often distressing realities of the world. Whether it’s concerns about infrastructure in my home city of Mumbai or the various issues plaguing our planet, engaging with fiction allows me to briefly disconnect from these stresses. Great literature not only serves as a distraction but also offers valuable life lessons and reflections valuable for personal growth.
While books are not the only medium capable of delivering in-depth exploration—documentaries and television shows also provide valuable content—the primary difference is that books demand active engagement from the reader. This active engagement can sometimes be daunting, as evidenced by my own failure to reach my goal of reading one book per month in 2017.
Fortunately, inspired by the “best of” lists emerging in December, I was able to read more books in that month alone than I had throughout the previous year. I’ve also devised a plan that aligns my reading list with upcoming film and television adaptations, which I believe will enhance my motivation. While I cannot guarantee success for everyone, as an entertainment critic, I know this strategy will push me to achieve my reading goals.
Now, all that remains is to find more time and reduce distractions. So, why not take a moment to step away from this article and pick up a book instead?
