I've noticed as I make my way through my summer entertainment agenda that certain forms of entertainment are better and create a better atmosphere for my consumption.
As a consumer of media, I choose from today's buffet of things to enjoy. I read the news, watch movies, read books, listen to music and visit multiple websites all designed to waste my time (looking at you, The Onion.)
While it's fun to go on The Onion and goof around, sometimes a more serious note is needed on The New York Times.
These outlets give many different perspectives on the world, and it is really stressful. I cannot get away from the constant need to check The Times for my news fix, nor can I escape the infinite scroll of the Tumblr dashboard.
Overall, the Internet is a stressful place. Sometimes it is not about the limitlessness of the blog or news site, but the repetitive and infuriating need to check social media sites. Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and at sometimes Snapchat all claw their way into our collective mindset, and the addictiveness of these applications creates a need, not a want. Passing time on these sites is not constructive, and during summer, it is quite repetitive and boring.
The mediation by the Internet is like taking your mind and winding it up to heights unknown to previous generations.
Our parents and grandparents, however, had the solace of low-tech media such as movies and books.
These types of media do not demand consumers to constantly update. While movies and books can be engrossing, the best among them always move and always find ways to entertain at their own pace.
This original form of entertainment is, I find, much less stressful. Many positive changes take place while technology is left in the pocket or in another room.
Technology demands so much from the user. This is going to make me sound lazy, but I really hate the constant need to scroll, search and comment.
Books, especially, never demand. A novel will wait while you run errands, but Snapchat must be updated constantly. And what about your inadequate Instagram presence? It is all too stressful when a great story awaits at your bedside table.
Movies are a little worse off for you than books, but I love them all the same. During the summer, you need to be swept off your feet and into worlds beyond our own.
The many different forms of media confound us most of the year, but I believe it is important to create a sense of relaxation.
The cooling effects of a slower moving and less socially conscious genre of media helps entertain without anxiety.
Send Peter your summer reading list at peter.northfelt@asu.edu or follow him on Twitter @peternorthfelt
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