[Semiapies]

I chose to learn what I did about the guy because I encountered an friend's histrionic dislike of the singer and was curious.

So yes, entirely voluntary.

Now, if you'd like to argue that I was "forced" to encounter information by talking to someone I know, then you're going beyond even trying to make victimization out of exposure to media and just showing yourself to long for a hermitage. :)

[bobf]

Of course. It is important and useful to be a part of society, be conversant with the issues of the day, etc. The author's point seemed to simply be that constantly being conversant with popular culture is capable of becoming a timesink.