Neil Postman, in his book "Amusing Ourselves to Death," explores the impact of mass media on public discourse. He suggests that while cultures have shown resilience against misinformation and false opinions, the real challenge lies in the speed and superficiality of modern information consumption. The quote implies that the ability of a culture to measure the world quickly, within a mere twenty-two minutes, poses a threat to its depth of understanding.
Postman also questions the value placed on news that prioritizes entertainment over substance. He critiques a society that gauges the worth of information by its entertainment value, indicating a potential danger to critical thinking and informed discussion. This perspective emphasizes the need for deeper engagement with information, rather than merely seeking amusement, to ensure the survival of meaningful cultural discourse.