I prefer to feel more aware of what's going on around me, it doesn't make me any more paranoid than I usually am! I watch the news every night at 11pm or at least read the headline stories on my local news app/website (www.komonews.com). I blame it on just being nosy and wanting to know everything! There's almost nothing I hate more than hearing someone talk about something that I know nothing about...
If my kids happen to see the news (i.e. the hurricane was pretty unavoidable, as was 9/11 if you watch any tv at all!), I use it as a teaching tool, to let them know that sometimes bad things happen, how we can avoid them, and how to be prepared if something bad does happen. The hurricane news served as a valuable reminder to practice our earthquake drill at home! And most of the time, I'd rather be the one teaching my child about potential dangers and situations.