Since the founding of the United States of America, freedom of expression has been ingrained in our rights. One can say what they want without consequences to a certain degree. This is all possible because of the First Amendment, and one of, if not the most important right outlined in that document, is that there can be no law that abridges the freedom of the press. There has been a certain amount of pride that has been taken by many people in our country because of the First Amendment. We are able to look at all these other countries where people can’t even say anything bad about their leaders and feel superior. It is a right that has been taken for granted time and time again. There is this thought that nothing can happen to the right. However, just because there can be no law limiting it, doesn’t mean that outside factors can’t do that very thing.

     Recently, there has been more and more harmful rhetoric towards journalists and the news they publish. With phrases such as fake news being attached to anything one doesn’t agree with. This, coupled with declining interest in news outlets, is leading to its own kind of censorship. A kind of censorship that stems from people’s unwillingness to hear other opinions, unwillingness to research for themselves, and unwillingness to simply read. 

     These factors have been applying a steady pressure in the news industry, leading them to lean into other faucets to make the money they need. This can be seen in many news outlets. The New York Times is the best example. Although they are losing subscribers to their news, because of their games site, they have been able to replace news subscribers with those who only want the games. Why is this happening? Why do people seem to only want the easy choices?

     There is an epidemic of choosing the easy, comfortable choice in our society today. One that is only magnified by our devices. It is uncomfortable to encounter and interact with things opposite to our views. This causes a polarization where only certain voices are reaffirmed, forcing the press to choose sides, effectively limiting the freedom that they have. All to stay alive.