With so many sources for news out there it can be difficult and confusing to determine which sources are releasing the most reliable information. Todays article is all about credible sources. Continue reading to learn about bias in the news and the ways that information can be manipulated. We will also discuss the results of polls surrounding this topic that we conducted to a sample of mainly high school students.
News can come in a variety of forms whether it be a network on TV, an app on your phone or the old fashioned newspaper. It is important to be able to identify how powerful words can be, in relation to propaganda in the news.
In our last article, we discussed the importance of research in regards to purchasing products from advertisements. We also discussed the importance of forming your own opinions, instead of letting the advertisements or posts that appear on your explore page dictate your though process. Once again these are also things that you should keep in mind when it comes to information in the news. Although most people think the news is a reliable source to receive information, it is not always the case. Yes, news networks tend to release stories that have evidence proving their credibility and authenticity. At the same time, however, most news networks share these stories through a bias lens.
An issue with network news and other sources of news in regards to credibility today, is that many of them use a bias when relaying information. However, this issue worsens when extreme sources play on people’s worst instincts, fears and beliefs to encourage or manipulate their opinions.
Although 95% of people polled believe that credible sources can also be biased, not everyone is constantly realizing this when they are on the receiving end news.
Another thing that should be taken into consideration when forming your own opinion, is that most news networks are not neutral and often only share one perspective. There is always more than one side to every story. It is important to fully understand a situation before picking a side. Depending on the news source, a story may be twisted a certain way; forming a more liberal or conservative perspective. This can cause change to vital details in a story, decreasing the credibility of a source. Without completing research on the backgrounds of news sources it can be difficult to determine a sources’ perspective and stance on politics or other everyday news.
73% of people polled admit that they don’t believe that there is an accurate representation of different perspectives on the news.
In conclusion, it is crucial that you not only watch a variety of different networks to receive your information but check the stories out online, or in your newspaper because chances are there will be multiple articles written in different perspectives. Combining all of the information that you find will help give you the most informed perspective on a topic. Don’t simply trust a headline, they were made to grab readers attentions and do not give you the full story. Trust your instincts when it comes to fake news but also do research if you are ever curious or unsure.