I think I've become a snacker. Someone who consumes a little bit here and there throughout the day, rather than having a few solid, bigger meals.
I'm not talking about food. I'm talking about information. I like to snack on information. And I'm unsure whether this is a good or bad thing.
Back in the day (which was a Wednesday), I used to read entire newspaper articles in the morning at the kitchen table. Well, as long as they were on the front or back pages. But I would read the whole article, because I enjoy reading.
Nowadays, I've caught myself reading half an article online and than skipping to another site to read something else. I've read two full books in the past year. Two. But I've read hundreds of blog posts, online newspaper articles, tweets, Facebook status updates, Flickr photo captions, etc.
I snack now.
What's going on here? Are we substituting full meals of information with lots of snacks?
Comments
I like the fact that there's
I like the fact that there's so many information sources. Not only does it give us a broader perspective on topics of interest (I can't stand the newspaper), but it allows me to unleash my content and creativity as well. I wouldn't call it snacking though, that sounds like you're eating Twinkies and getting no nutrition. I'd call it grazing. I believe the grazing of smaller chunks of info from various sources gives you a much healthier dose of information.
However, in my opinion, books are a different subject. I try to read several books each year.
Great analogy Bob! I agree
Great analogy Bob! I agree with you about grazing. Even if we're getting information in smaller chunks, it doesn't necessarily mean those chunks still aren't great information. Thanks for joining in!
I really like the term
I really like the term grazing to describe this consumption of information, too. Though, I'm not sure it's entirely accurate. I think your use of the term snacking is more appropriate.
Lately, I feel like more and more I know a lot about different events and happenings, but I don't know the details. It's almost like getting a quick taste of a delicious meal, but not savoring all of the flavors or different pieces. At least the way I consumer media/info, I'm just getting a quick sampling. It's all breadth and no depth.
That's partially what made
That's partially what made me think about all this to begin with. Is this quick consumption of bits and pieces hurting our full understanding of things? Is it (along with television) killing our attention spans? I'm not sure. I feel educated and like I'm learning a lot. So maybe we're just fine?
Thanks for coming by Rebecca!
I actually think this is a
I actually think this is a good shift (or at least it has been for me). Personally, I am consuming more than ever before. Am I scanning more than ever before... yes, but the quantity and quality of input is worth the loss. Professionally, we are finally able to dole out essential information in smaller consumable bites. Messages that were essentially important, but were overwhelming are now hitting home as we have better mechanisms for breaking them up and delivering them to our customers.
Besides, small meals digest better than bigger ones... :)
Great point of view, Michael,
Great point of view, Michael, I didn't think of it that way. I reckon kids today will grow up this way and it will be the only way they know of to consume information. Will be interesting to see future studies as to how this affects them. Thanks for joining in Michael!
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