Pet Peeve #1: Don't Tell Me How to React

There's a trend in TV news that really bugs me. I kind of think it's insulting:

"What's the number one addiction in the U.S.? The results will shock you."
I'm thinking they won't.

"You won't believe what this teenager did to save his pet cat."
I probably will.

"This footage is very disturbing."
Not as much as the twisted murder on CSI tonight.

Tell me the facts and let me decide for myself. Sure, warn me if I need to shield my kid's eyes, but otherwise don't assume that your pre-conceived notion of the unusual, bizarre, or unbelievable is the same as mine.