My New Media Diet: Consume Less, Digest More

I’ve been struggling with something for a while and have had a hard time putting it into words. But the more I ponder it, the more I think it boils down to a fairly simple problem. I consume a ridiculous amount of media on a daily basis. I read comics in print, on my computer, my iPhone and my eReader. I watch shows and movies on my TV, iPhone and computer.

I read books and magazines on my eReader, my computer and in print. I play games on my computer, iPhone, and consoles.  On top of that , I listen to podcasts every day on my way to and from work, and even at work, if I can get away with it. And as someone who grew up loving books, games, comics, movies, shows, having access to media the way we do now should be like living in paradise for me.

But I’m starting to hate it. Because in the interest of consuming as much media as possible, there’s almost no time to reflect on what I’m consuming. And if I don’t take time to think about, evaluate, discuss and process the things I’m consuming, then I don’t even really enjoy them (or dislike them, for that matter). I can’t even remember half the stuff I read or watch, because I don’t take any time to reflect on it, I just move on to the next thing.

Secret Identity has been both good and bad for me when it comes to this struggle I’m having. On the one hand, Matt and I limiting our reviews to a few books each a week allows us to have about a 10-minute dicussion on each, which is a decent amount for a single issue of a comic book. On the other hand, forcing myself to watch as many shows as possible during a given week so I can regurgitate them in the Boob Tube/Big Screen Blitzkrieg segment isn’t really the way I want to enjoy movies and TV.

So, my plan moving forward is that I will be consuming less, and digesting more. For those who listen to the podcast, you’ll still hear all the things you’re used to hearing every week. But, I do plan on adding a new segment to the show from time to time, where I’ll be taking a more in-depth look at a movie, comic game, show, etc. I also plan on writing some articles on the SI website that will be deeper dicsussions as well.

Stay tuned!