Check Your Sources

More and more, I find myself having a harder time finding truth and value in things I read online. In these divisive times, polarized views are pitting people against one another, and some social spheres have become dens of propaganda and lies; lies that are easily spread, given the Internet’s capabilities and people’s abilities to influence others. All it takes is for a post to look interesting or appealing, whether true or not, for it to catch fire and spread.

         We see this in visual media, as well as written. For example, controversial videos without context, fiction being purported as truth, and the rise of A.I.-generated content. It can all look so real and convincing. But so often, it’s not. As a former journalist, and someone who still works in the world of digital media, I find this both disturbing and disheartening.

         Ask yourself this – why do I trust my friend? The answer probably has something to do with your friend’s track record of honesty, loyalty and integrity. The same goes for anyone you have a close relationship with, really.

         This is why I have a big problem with dependable news outlets being bombarded with accusations of lying or being accused of producing “fake news.” For the sake of an unbiased argument, I’m not going to name any networks in particular, but let’s put it this way – if a news organization has a long record of telling the truth, with evidence to back up their reporting, chances are I’m going to trust it. That organization has done its job to be a reliable source of information.

         If another news organization has a spottier track record, I’m not going to seek that outlet out as a reliable source of information; simple as that.

          Regardless, you’re bound to find a little bit of bias even in news outlets you trust. But it depends on what kind of bias you’re seeing. If the story seems biased toward reporting certain details, while leaving out others, it doesn’t necessarily mean that outlet is lying. It’s probably just reporting the main points with a few select details.

         This is something we sometimes see in short news clips – ones where the broadcast simply doesn’t allow enough time to share more. And in that case, it just might mean you should read or watch the story in more than one place, in order to get the whole picture.

         The kind of bias that’s immoral in journalism is the kind that attempts to editorialize a ‘hard news’ story. Some outlets may claim to be reporting “just the facts,” so to speak, while teasing or telling the story with adjectives that try to push a specific narrative. If you’re writing an editorial or opinion piece, it should be labeled as such. But don’t try to tout something as unbiased if there’s clearly an opinion being shared.

         We, unfortunately, live in a society where the work of honest journalists seems to be getting more and more threatened, both in voice and visibility. So, be diligent in your efforts to find truth and knowledge. Know where your information is coming from, consider potential biases, and maybe even do a little research yourself. You can’t trust everything you read on the Internet, but you can help shed some light on it.