Before telegraphy, people felt a sense of control over their lives because the information they received was relevant and actionable. Knowledge held significant value, allowing individuals to directly influence their circumstances. The connection between information and action was intimate, granting a feeling of potency in navigating daily challenges.

However, the advent of telegraphy transformed this dynamic by inundating society with a vast array of news, turning everything into a collective concern. Individuals began to receive information that was unrelated to their personal inquiries, stripping away their ability to respond or engage. This shift marked a loss of individual agency, as the news became overwhelming and detached from practical relevance.