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Traditional journalism: Trustworthy anchor in the digital age
Traditional newspapers offer many a counterpoint to online sources in this digital age, including contemplation over consumption.
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A newsagent at the Cikapundung print market squats on Oct. 1, 2022 at his makeshift newspaper stall at the northern end of Jl. Dr. Ir. Sukarno in Bandung, West Java. (JP/Anindito Ariwandono) (JP/Anindito Ariwandono)
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mid the sweeping tides of modernity, there’s a unique solace to be found in time-honored rituals. For many, the rhythmic unfolding of a crisp newspaper over breakfast epitomizes this sentiment, an emblem of serenity in an otherwise digitally frenetic world.
My recurring visits to a particular hotel were emblematic of this sentiment, a dalliance with a ritual that promised both nostalgia and reprieve.
When we think of a newspaper, it isn't just about the information inked on the pages, but the whole sensory experience it entails. There's something innately satisfying about the tactile sensations of reading a newspaper, a stark contrast to the sterile swipes on a digital screen. Feeling the grainy texture beneath the fingertips, hearing the gentle rustling of turning pages, all serve to engage us in a way that screens often can't.
This tactile engagement isn't just about pleasure. Studies have indicated that it might play a role in bolstering comprehension and retaining the information we consume.
In a world punctuated by the persistent pings of notifications, the act of immersing oneself in a newspaper provides a sanctuary of focus. The finite nature of its pages offers a boundary that digital platforms, with their endless scrolling, don't. This limitation paradoxically becomes its strength. With no pop-ups vying for our attention, our minds can dwell, dive deep and truly engage with the content, reducing the cognitive load that often comes with digital multitasking.
But beyond the physical and the immediate, there's a deeper, more ephemeral charm at play: the allure of nostalgia.
For someone like me, a newspaper is a time machine. It transports me to simpler epochs before the digital avalanche, reminding me of times when information wasn't consumed but savored. This retreat, even if momentary, is a balm, a respite from the ceaseless buzz of the now.
