Lists are great. They are powerful tools and, used correctly, can simplify very complicated information. That said, I want to vent on a trend that I have become tired of seeing when browsing the web. That trend is lists. So many websites I come across are putting their content into a list format. Sure this method allows the content to be easily scanned and digested, but in my opinion this trend is subtly addressing two bigger issues.
Firstly, when authors post their content in list format I feel it is a blatant admission that the author has no opinion, no writing ability, and no creativity. So many of the lists I see revolve around a single theme, a theme that if the author had taken the time and effort could have been made into an interesting article. I recommend these people form an opinion around their observation and develop some real content rather than simply reblogging things they have found on other blogs. Lists to me is an easy way out, a way to blog regularly with minimal effort. There are too many people simply sharing their discoveries on the internet without questioning, analyzing, and discussing these findings.
On the other hand…perhaps an increasing laziness with readers is hurting content creation?
The second issue I see in this trend is an increasing laziness among readers. Perhaps it is not so much laziness as it is the overwhelming amount of content they have access to and attempt to go through. Readers have so many sources to keep track of, and apparently such busy lives, they expect content to be spoon fed to them and are not willing to exert effort in exploring content. I think this perception of internet users, right or wrong, is what drives the dumbing down of content in the first place.
It’s quite a vicious circle, but I believe the solution lies with the content creators, we can’t allow users to get patience and thinking atrophy. If authors started putting more effort into writing their content users would start putting more effort into reading it.