While mainstream news cycle headlines are a proven commodity for watered-down and viral content, the latest information grappling application for phones, devices and desktops may continue to dilute an already diminishing pool of substantial and useful data.
According to Techcrunch.com, Mic is releasing a technology that will alert the end-users to news and alerts, even if the app is closed. As critics argue that innovation in the efficient and incessant delivery of shortened headlines will contribute to the inevitable extinction of attention spans and a significant diminishing of critical thinking skills, a Mic company official gave this interesting response to Techcrunch in regards to the company’s awareness of the possible long-term issues created by an abundance of cheap and quick headlines.
“Chief Strategy Officer Cory Haik said that if this new style of “lock screen storytelling” means you don’t open the app itself, “We think that’s a success.”
But she argued that this isn’t just another step in the direction of bite-sized news edging out more in-depth coverage: “It would be a mistake for us to say we want to do all of our journalism in shortform.” Instead, Mic is trying to “the right length and format” for every story — and then there will be a separate team responsible for curating and writing the notifications.”
One of the greatest challenges in electronic journalism is encouraging the audience to read and engage in stories that are over 100 words long. As most readers will not pursue research efforts after absorbing a blip of information, the future looks bleak in fostering a broad and robust collective intelligence that is not based on the pursuit for instant gratification. This notion has major implications on the future treatment of politics, business, social issues and general news as the concept of ceaseless propaganda becomes a reality for those who control technology and thus the headlines. There is a certain generational cut-off point for those who do not look both ways when crossing the street. Device-induced Natural Selection is looming.
Read the full Techcrunch.com article here.
