How much of information is good information?

The price of greatness is responsibility, said Winston Churchill. When you tell your teenager to read the newspaper, your intent is to keep him informed on what is happening in the world. However, sometimes use of inappropriate words in bold, or in sub-headings get them reading news that is of no relevance. Take for example the article: 'Man in UAE starts taking drugs to make his three wives happy,' (January 12). I am not going into details but what I am trying to highlight is whether the news is of any relevance to a normal reader. (If I am not mistaken, the name of the drug used was published, too.) Does the content have any kind of positive impact on a young reader? Are we going to debate over it in a public gathering? Do we go forth on a protest march? The answer is a simple: no. It's okay to report a case of rape or molestation, murder or drugs; but the content should be well reviewed and monitored so as to keep information meaningful.
In a world where information is available at one's fingertip, publishing names of drugs, sexual actions, murder-intent/weapon are only going to mislead young minds who are otherwise unaware of things like these. Awareness is important, but we should be conscious of the impact of our words on the lives of others.
- Sabitha Mathew, Dubai
KT Reply:
It was important to mention the name of the drug in the article cited above to sensitise our readers about the drug that is banned or illegal in the UAE.