Enjoy the Press and Media

Keeping ourselves informed is very beneficial for many reasons.

It helps us follow world news to understand what is happening in our own country and others. It also contributes to increasing our global cultural awareness.

There are different ways to keep informed: watching TV, listening to the radio, and reading newspapers.

TV differs from radio and newspapers as a way of absorbing information. Because TV provides a lot of visual and auditory stimulation, our brain reacts differently compared to other media. When we watch a screen, our brain tends to be more passive, simply following the visual cues. In contrast, when we listen to the radio or read a book, the brain is more active.

Listening to the radio usually requires us to imagine the context and what is being discussed. Our brain uses different areas as we picture the conversation in our minds; Something we often do automatically.

Books take imagination even further. You first need to follow the text with your eyes, but then you must interpret and understand it. Reading a book is not just about moving your eyes across words—it’s about comprehending their meaning. Are you really getting it? This goes beyond interpretation; it’s understanding the message deeply.

When we are tired, we often struggle to read or focus. We may read without truly trying to understand. This is the time to reflect on why concentration is difficult and seek ways to improve it. Daniel Goleman’s book Focus addresses this topic in detail.

Research suggests that the human brain can generally focus for about 20 minutes before drifting into a semi-drowsy state. This focus span shortens further when we are tired.

When comparing TV, radio, and books, it is often said that a movie can never replace a book because of the strength of imagination it demands. A book allows us to create images and ideas in our own minds using our own words, while a movie presents someone else’s vision directly, leaving less room for personal imagination.

Teachers often advocate reading books to maintain this habit. Books; And even radio; Help enrich our personal inner world, expanding vocabulary and imagination. Radio occupies a middle ground between books and TV.

TV is generally the easiest to follow, followed by radio, and finally books, which may seem more challenging depending on our family context, ability, and energy to focus.

The type of material also matters. If you enjoy health or self-development topics, reading books in these areas can improve focus and overall well-being. This creates a virtuous circle: reading helps you feel better and become healthier.

Reading can be thought of as a pathway we follow step by step, book by book.

..Step by step, walking along, book after book…

One enjoyable habit is to subscribe to a national newspaper. A yearly or weekly subscription allows you to receive one newspaper each weekend, offering a small weekly pleasure and new stories to explore.

In the UK, some newspapers provide a membership card, which lets you buy the paper from any participating local shop simply by scanning the card. This system is convenient and satisfying. You can even give the card to your children so they can bring home the newspaper themselves.