[zhdc1]

> do we really need to know breaking news, instantly?

There are good reasons, although I share your general concern. E.g., if you believe that you may be affected by an event, or if it's important/relevant enough that others will start to frame how it's perceived, it's generally good to find out about it as it's happening.

On the other hand, the vast majority of trending events aren't worth being concerned about for most people.

[bluGill]

If I need to know as it is happening there should be sirens going off outside in my town to alert me to that. Everything else can wait.

[nicce]

Plenty of these ”breaking news” are also heavily missleading. Causing side effects and heavy opinions, regardless if truth comes later. It is too late then.