Final answer:
The immediacy of news reporting is a complex issue, with instant news potentially conflicting with the need for thoughtfulness and thoroughness in journalism. The rise of the Internet and social media has further complicated matters by speeding up news dissemination and influencing public perception and political engagement.
Step-by-step explanation:
The statement 'News is supposed to be new, and "new" means instantaneous,' references the current expectation that news should be reported as events happen, prioritizing speed. However, the assertion that such immediacy inevitably conflicts with thoughtfulness and thoroughness is open to interpretation, as indicated by the either true or false choice given in the question. The quest for instant news can indeed lead to a clash with in-depth and careful reporting, with the risk of introducing typographical and factual errors due to the rush to publication, as seen with reputable news agencies like the Associated Press. The demand for speed in news delivery has been amplified by the Internet, and particularly the rise of online news portals, social media, and the ability for users to share and post content with little oversight, which sometimes results in articles of varying quality and accuracy.
Nevertheless, the immediacy of news has significant implications beyond journalistic speed; it affects the way that the public perceives and engages with world events, politics, and society at large. The digital age has revolutionized how we create, consume, and interact with the news, necessitating a nuanced understanding of both its potential and its limitations, especially regarding the influence of new media on political processes and the shifts in traditional media practices.