Are newspapers too productive for their own good?

A question has been rolling across my brain for some time now, and it's about what the perceptions of newspapers are, at least to the fast-paced, breathless momentum of the 21st Century.

I often wonder, while heading to the newsagents or any alternative provider of the nationals, whether I will actually be able to read through the intended articles available without having to close the pages, head to the kitchen or lounge for a break and return shortly after to resume what is seemingly another laborious mission in the quest to keep up to date with this world.

Then it hits me (and I'm habitually struck by this fleeting revelation): why let the whole paper bother you, when you can either simply skim through or just absorb what issues attract you most? And my mind comes to a standstill, as I hold my chosen broadsheet of the day before buying it. This rapid insight into the perceptions of newspapers is so easily circumvented by a tendency to generalise.Instead of acquiescing to this truthful mental projectile, I will usually panic, saying to myself, "this paper's too big, you can't handle it!" But I can, at least physically. This impulsive reaction stems from what I would call the 'effort dilemma'. It's no secret that a by-product of today's fly-by culture is laziness, a laziness in media consumption. And it's that very same laziness that causes this particular dilemma.

My mind segues imperceptibly to comparisons: this paper is far too wordy compared to the online version; or it's much easier to just search for any subject I want via Google. So why not ditch newspapers altogether and submit to the smooth, unchallenging filing cabinets alive on the internet that I can obtain with a single, effortless click?

I suppose it's a combination of factors that lead me to the conclusion that, despite the overwhelming impact of the paper at first - Sunday editions are especially ominous - the average national is far more influential than some may give it credit for. Everyday assertions of the diminishing circulation and readership of the commonest newspapers are overstated - many seem to be quoting it far too casually for the urgency such an issue implies.

Once back from the outlet from which I find the day's winning publication - in today's case it was the Guardian - I come to a neatly prepared, informative and reliable source of news, as well as the satisfaction of a search to be enlightened. The effort dilemma is easy to overcome, once you realise just how much of a privilege it is to still have such choice in an industry that, even in developments to present itself in other modern media formats, is impressively resilient and respectable.

Also worth pointing out is the fact that there is no better way, except possibly substituting your paper for a chunky copy of Bertrand Russell's History of Western Philosophy, to fool your peers into thinking, if only briefly, how erudite you must be to have such a cool grasp of the world's loftiest issues.

Just hope they don't double back and propose a test of your knowledge.