I was most amused by the fact that this was published on a news website. Unless it was published for satirical reasons, which is entirely possible. Honestly, it reads like a segment of a self-help book, probably because it appears to have come from one. "Don't do these things for the reasons that I give without providing much explanation behind them". The only part that I disagree with you on is that the internet makes us passive. It really depends on how you use it, same with everything else. The internet has been a very proactive and engaging thing for me on a lot of fronts (making personal and business connections, getting in touch with bands, promotion companies, and record labels, etc).
Not a well founded article, but worth consideration to me. The times I've been away from the news for a week or more, I survived. Ignorant and happy.
In addition, there have been numerous times I've read the morning news and been frustrated with political happenings that affect my career, but were well out of my immediate control. Probably better to hear these stories later in the day or not at all. I'd still be the same person I am now, possibly a bit less frustrated.
No news, outside of the sports section, will be my plan for the next two weeks, or more. Hubski doesn't count though. The content here is too thought-provoking and engaging.
I have slowly stopped watching the news a year ago. Anything that's really important I'll hear through other people anyway. Frankly, I don't think I miss much. Most of it seems to be a passing hype anyway. I'd rather devote my time, effort and memory to people and causes I care about, like here, than on passively absorbing information that loses its value as soon as it isn't new anymore.
I don't watch the news. In fact, I can't tell you the last time I did. My parents watch "Jon Stewart" and for the past few nights I've caught his show. -I could watch that nightly. Pretty funny stuff and you get the premise of the most pressing news. But yeah, I agree that if it's important enough news it will find me via other outlets.