Chapter 3 – Finding Your Voice and Making It Heard
3.5 Your Information Sources
You need reliable information to inform your opinions and decisions about politics. But have you ever thought about where you get the information from?
The problem with much of the information circulating these days is that it can be biased, misleading, or downright false. This misinformation can lead to polarized opinions, mistrust in public institutions, and poor decision-making among citizens. By becoming more critical about your information sources, you can ensure that your views and actions are based on accurate information.
Information literacy in politics is the ability to effectively locate, evaluate, and use political information to make informed decisions, engage in civic discourse, and participate in democratic processes. Let’s explore how you can stay informed.
Understand the difference between fact-based reporting and opinion content. Fact-based reporting aims to present verified information and events as they are, adhering to journalistic standards of objectivity and accuracy. This type of reporting is typically found in the main sections of newspapers and in the news segments of cable news channels. On the other hand, opinion programming on cable news and the editorial section in newspapers provide analysis and viewpoints that reflect the author’s or the network’s perspective. While these can offer valuable insights, they are inherently subjective and should be approached with a critical mind to distinguish between facts, personal opinions, and the goals of the information providers.
To better understand what makes journalism reliable, watch the director of the Ethical Journalism Network describe the core values of ethical journalism:
YouTube URL: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uNidQHk5SZs
Duration: 2:54
Diversify your sources. To get a well-rounded view of political issues, you should read news from multiple outlets. This means not just sticking to one newspaper or TV channel but exploring a variety of reputable sources, including newspapers, TV stations, and online platforms. Reading from sources that span the ideological spectrum can provide a more balanced perspective and help you understand different arguments and viewpoints.
Don’t let algorithms force you into an echo chamber. An echo chamber is an environment where a person only encounters information or opinions that reflect and reinforce their own. This can be a negative thing because it limits exposure to diverse perspectives and critical thinking, potentially leading to a skewed or biased understanding of issues. Social media applications use algorithms that show you content similar to what you’ve already engaged with, which creates echo chambers. To counter this, diversify your feed by following a broad range of individuals, organizations, and media outlets to expose yourself to different viewpoints and information.
Prioritize reputable sources. Local newspapers and TV stations are valuable to the extent they adhere to rigorous journalistic standards and implement strong fact-checking processes. They often provide insights into regional issues and politics that the national media fail to cover.
Check for bias and verify information. Always be on the lookout for bias in what you consume. Fact-checking websites like FactCheck.org, PolitiFact, and Snopes can help verify the accuracy of claims and statements made in the news. It’s also wise to cross-reference stories by checking multiple sources to confirm their validity, especially if a story appears in only one outlet or lacks verification.
Whenever possible, read primary sources such as government reports, official statements, and public records. These documents provide direct insights without the filter of media interpretation. Additionally, follow official communications from political figures and institutions through their websites or verified social media accounts for firsthand information.
Always question your information sources. Consider who wrote the article, their potential biases, and what evidence they provide to support their claims. Articles that cite sources, provide data, and link to original documents or studies are generally more reliable.
By following these steps, you can enhance your ability to find accurate information, make informed political decisions, and engage effectively in civic activities. Becoming a critical consumer of information is not just about being well-informed; it’s about being able to discern the quality of the information you consume and understanding its impact on your perspectives and actions.
It’s our responsibility to critically assess the information we consume, whether it comes from journalists, politicians, social media influencers, or other sources. By evaluating these sources, checking for potential biases, and seeking reputable, fact-based reporting, we can avoid falling prey to misinformation and make better-informed decisions that reflect a genuine understanding of the issues at hand.
