News consumption
None of this is expert advice. It's what people worked out for themselves, usually the hard way — what actually helped, and what they'd tell someone standing where you are. Take what fits and leave the rest.
If you only read a few
If you do not understand the action in a news story, do not assume someone is stupid; recognize you may lack the full picture.
You just don't have the whole picture.
one person who lived it
Be skeptical of headlines ending in 'report says,' as they may indicate unverified claims.
It suggests a lack of confidence in the facts or failure to check them.
one person who lived it
Skip articles with headlines using aggressive terms like 'Slammed,' 'Blasted,' 'Destroyed,' or 'Owned,' as they are likely biased.
Objective journalism typically avoids such sensationalist language; the outlet is attempting to provoke an emotional response.
- Exception: Sports highlights.
- Unless it's weather related.
3 people, independently
Find the actual quote if an article mentions someone saying something racist or inflammatory but does not include the text.
It is poor journalism to omit the quote.
one person who lived it
Discuss media manipulation to help people become conscious of it, as it is hard to avoid when unaware.
It helps make people think and realize they are being manipulated.
one person who lived it
Check both left-leaning and right-leaning networks daily to hear each side present its own points, as one side's presentation of the other's view differs from the latter's self-presentation.
Hearing a network present the opposing point of view is not the same as watching that side present their own point.
one person who lived it
Analyze tone beyond just adjectives, including nouns, sentence length, tense, and voice.
These elements can be powerful indicators of bias or strong tone.
one person who lived it
Always check the sources in news articles.
The concerns raised may be legitimate even if the framing is suspicious.
one person who lived it
Seek supporting evidence from sources other than memes or articles that merely repeat the same viewpoint.
Reading the article isn't enough.
one person who lived it
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Be skeptical of news outlets using strong adjectives or inappropriately calm language.
Strong adjectives try to persuade you to a viewpoint rather than giving straight facts; passive, calm language can cut down on severe events.
one person who lived it
Consider a news site unserious if it publishes almost exclusively headlines with question marks.
This pattern can indicate a lack of seriousness.
one person who lived it
Avoid headlines that use subjective or emotional adjectives like 'great' or 'terrible'.
These words express opinion rather than fact.
one person who lived it
Report facts without using adjectives that sway the story toward a specific emotion or bias.
Journalistic training emphasizes reporting facts over influencing emotion.
one person who lived it