Reading a newspaper is an emotional roller coaster.
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Every morning, as I sit with my cup of coffee and open the newspaper, I find myself on an emotional roller coaster. Though the intent is to start the day on a calm note, I often wonder if reading the news truly allows for that any more.
It’s nearly impossible to go through even a few pages without being swept up by a wave of emotions. When the Indian team wins a World Cup or brings home more Olympic medals, there’s immense joy. But soon after, tragic stories—air crashes, stampedes, accidents—bring sorrow, a sense of loss, and bewilderment at the unpredictability of life.
Reports of horrific crimes stir disgust, and the callous reactions from those in power only deepen the frustration. Politicians switching parties and ideologies with ease leave us wondering at their shameless agility. We sigh, tell ourselves not to expect more, and turn the page.
A bit of humour follows. A celebrity’s antics might make you laugh, and the Amul girl or a sharp cartoon brings a gentle smile. But the mood shifts again—news of crimes against women and children, drug abuse, economic shocks—all stir fear for our loved ones.
Yet, some stories shine through—stories of resilience, kindness, and compassion. These positive stories bring us hope that all is not lost with the world, offering a brief sense of peace in this chaotic world.
Still, I see fewer people around me engaging in this ritual. The younger generation scrolls through curated headlines, avoiding the emotional highs and lows that a full newspaper brings. Skipping sorrow, muting outrage—they consume news tailored to comfort. And then there are the attractive sales ads—whether in print or online—that almost impulsively draw the hand to the mobile to place an order, turning the news experience into yet another opportunity for consumption. In this world of filtered content and instant gratification, reading a newspaper page by page is becoming a dying art. It belongs to a generation that still chooses to face the world as it is, not just how we wish it to be.
Published – August 24, 2025 02:19 am IST