It is thought of as a diversion rather than an essential need. It is true that it takes a lot of effort to go somewhere after a day of working at a job that might not be very satisfying and take a chance on seeing or hearing something that might be beautiful but could also be disturbing or provocative. At the least, it would probably take some commitment or mental participation to fully enjoy it. It is easier to stay home and watch TV, listen to music or read a magazine. Media satisfy the restlessness and impatience that come from speed, fragmentation and exhaustion with instant gratification and no effort.
Media provide an image of experience rather than grounded experience itself.
Imagination seems like such a quiet but inalienable right. It is true that the more ignorant a people becomes, the more it can be manipulated from above. You don't miss what you don't know. If you don't know what you are missing, you don't know that you miss it. It is important that future generations can still partake of the process and the riches of art.