The Dangers of a Media Cocoon

While many people have commented on the social danger inherent with individuals’ narrowing media consumption, the danger of a cognitive echo chamber is a concern for another day. Today, let’s discuss the physical danger of a self-imposed media cocoon and an increased reliance on technology.

I know a couple who recently moved to the rural northeast. They read the New York Times, subscribe to both XM and Sirius satellite radio, rarely watch TV, and usually get directions by GPS.

Most of the time, this situation is ideal. They avoid advertising, irrelevant information, and travel planning is a breeze.

Sometimes, however, there is something that these channels miss. Starting what should have been a 4 hour trip to the airport in good weather, they had no idea that large sections of I-80 had developed 6 inches of ice overnight, bringing travel to a standstill. They spent hours extra on the road, missed their flight, missed an entire day of their vacation, and incurred extra lodging expenses. In sum, this was only an inconvenience, but the lesson they learned can be applied to preventing greater peril.

Similarly, a reliance on modern technology can be dangerous when not supplemented by more resilient methods. During the major northeast blackout a few years ago, I heard stories of groups of people in New York City following someone with a radio down the street just to get any news about what was going on. We all know the dangers of making a trip with only GoogleMaps as our guide. It works great if everything goes predictably, but route directions cannot deal with a change in context just like cnn.com doesn’t work in a blackout.

Here is my plea to the world:

1. Consume Local Media
   At least superficially, especially when you will be traveling. Radio is free, easy, and tends to broadcast traffic and news frequently.
2. Have a Battery-Powered Radio
   Radio is still the lowest common denominator for the mass relay of information because it can be operated from a distance and does not require a working power grid for the receiver.
3. Have a Map, and know how to use it
   There is no telling how many personal disasters could be avoided simply by having and knowing how to use a paper map. When traveling to a new area, stop at the bookstore or gas station and get a map.

These three things are all common sense, but so many of us forget or discount their importance.

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