Am I Too Cranky to Read News Online?

I like a straight-up news article, whether I am holding a newspaper in my hand or reading online. I like to read sources that are attributed in the text of the article. Here is an example:

"Regarding the accusations against him, Joe Schmoe wrote on X, "'I categorically deny all charges.'"

An online article would provide Joe Schmoe's entire rant as it appeared on X and might also include parts of the rant or maybe all of it in the text of the article. Whatever the case, including the same shit twice in different forms in the same article is simply stupid.

I don't have time for that. Thus, I simply read the text of online articles and ignore anything reproduced from social media. I suspect the writers of such articles are simply showing you their sources as they go, but I could look up Joe Schmoe's rant on X all by myself if I wanted to.

According to AI, which is never wrong, and I quote directly, authors use this technique for the following reasons:

• Context and Nuance:

The original language and tone of a social media post can provide a more nuanced understanding of the context than simply paraphrasing it in a news article. 

• Authenticity:

  For some news stories, particularly those involving public opinion or reactions to events, directly quoting individuals on social media can provide a more authentic and direct voice than a general news report. 

• Credibility:

  By including social media text, news organizations can demonstrate the accuracy of the information, especially if it's a widely circulated tweet or post. 

• Enhanced Engagement:

  The use of social media text can encourage readers to visit the source, fostering greater engagement and deeper understanding of the topic. 

• Efficiency:

  Including the direct text can be a time-efficient way to convey information, especially if the social media post is concise and to the point. 

Whatever! So call me a curmudgeon.

Let's face it. Nowadays being able to skim read is a survival skill.

And some days survival means not reading anything at all except maybe a good novel!