Media influence is a major factor in our lives. As more and more news outlets crop up, we’re constantly being bombarded with new information. It can be hard to determine which sources we can trust and which are just trying to sell us products. Here are three ways you can use to avoid falling for false information or believing everything you read.
All Media have an Agenda
Media is everywhere. From TV to social media, there are so many outlets for information. But one thing that’s important to note about all of these sources is that they all have an agenda.
Media outlets are more than just places where you get all the latest information; they also sell a product such as . Whether it be a TV network, magazine, or newspaper, these companies want you to buy their product and subscribe to their services. So while they may seem like they have your best interest in mind, they’re really just trying to sell you something.
That’s why it’s important not only to identify what media outlet you might be reading from, but also the type of content you’re reading and who it’s coming from. Some types of content might be more reliable and truthful than others depending on who wrote the article or produced the show.
Filter Your Information
One way to stay on top of media influence is by filtering the information you consume. It’s important to take a step back and look at the sources of your information, including what you see on social media. If you’re not sure about the source, research it or read other articles from different sources. We may want to believe that we can find all our information in one place, but unfortunately that isn’t true.
Get the Whole Story
It’s important to read an article in its entirety before making a decision about the information that is given. There are often sources within the article or at the end of it that help clarify information, which might be slanted or left out. This is also true for advertisements. You want to carefully examine what is being advertised and ensure you know all of the details before making a purchase decision.