False News And The Media
Start writing a post
Student Life

False News And The Media

In a world where we're hearing phrases like "alternative truth," being informed has become even more important.

19
False News And The Media
Cornell CIS

More often than not, the validity of the media has come into question. This has especially come about with Donald Trump taking office, and various opinions of him and his administration seeping into the corners of the Internet. Terms like "fake news" come into conversations more and more, and suddenly people are suspicious of their sources of information. But what exactly is "fake news?"

Collin's Dictionary defines fake news as "false and sometimes sensationalist information presented as fact and published and spread on the internet." Now, to clarify, this doesn't apply to things like blogs and opinion pieces, although there is sometimes false information there as well. However, places such as these are usually very clear on the fact that they are in fact writing an opinion piece and that differing opinions or sources could change the perspective of the entire article. False news is more of an issue in the journalism world, where people settle in every evening to catch up on the goings on of the world. This practice can give people false information, which influences uninformed opinions that can be destructive if enough people develop a train of thought that is (unknowingly) awry because of misinformation.

Breaking news can sometimes become false news, but this isn't intentional. Because we're in an age where the general public has instant access to information, publishers are eager to be the first company/group to break a story--especially if that story then goes viral. These articles lack sources and support, namely because there aren't sources when a story hasn't been released.

This results in something called Post Truth. In essence, because there is such a push to release breaking news as soon as possible, the solid facts tend to come out a few days after the story has broken. Journalists have been able to do background checks, research and are able to validate or invalidate what had been previously stated

Additionally, because humans tend to want to voice personal opinions, it is very rare that there is a completely objective perspective of a situation. A news channel may seem unbiased, but another news channel may present the story in a completely different light. People are more likely to want to interact with others who are like-minded, which can reinforce beliefs, but it sometimes means that the bigger picture isn't seen for what it is. There are two sides to every story, and in some cases, more than that. Obviously, humanity isn't one minded, but humans tend to surround themselves with people similar to themselves, meaning that sometimes differing opinions aren't always readily available--and not everyone wants to discuss that sort of disagreement, either.

So while Fake News and Post-Truth are issues that can be plainly seen in today's media, as well as subjective tainting of pieces that should be objective for the sake of the audience, readers do not have to fall victim to this. Check sources. Read articles about the same subject from different places and see what another writer has to say. The more research that is done, the more likely people are to be informed. This can also call the headlines that aren't correct into the spotlight.

Who knows--maybe being informed will help fix the problem.


-----

Bruce D. Itule, Douglas Anderson and James Simon. "News Writing and Reporting For Today's Media" (2006)

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Student Life

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

48192
college students waiting in a long line in the hallway
StableDiffusion

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Keep Reading...Show less
a man and a woman sitting on the beach in front of the sunset

Whether you met your new love interest online, through mutual friends, or another way entirely, you'll definitely want to know what you're getting into. I mean, really, what's the point in entering a relationship with someone if you don't know whether or not you're compatible on a very basic level?

Consider these 21 questions to ask in the talking stage when getting to know that new guy or girl you just started talking to:

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

Challah vs. Easter Bread: A Delicious Dilemma

Is there really such a difference in Challah bread or Easter Bread?

30598
loaves of challah and easter bread stacked up aside each other, an abundance of food in baskets
StableDiffusion

Ever since I could remember, it was a treat to receive Easter Bread made by my grandmother. We would only have it once a year and the wait was excruciating. Now that my grandmother has gotten older, she has stopped baking a lot of her recipes that require a lot of hand usage--her traditional Italian baking means no machines. So for the past few years, I have missed enjoying my Easter Bread.

Keep Reading...Show less
Adulting

Unlocking Lake People's Secrets: 15 Must-Knows!

There's no other place you'd rather be in the summer.

954526
Group of joyful friends sitting in a boat
Haley Harvey

The people that spend their summers at the lake are a unique group of people.

Whether you grew up going to the lake, have only recently started going, or have only been once or twice, you know it takes a certain kind of person to be a lake person. To the long-time lake people, the lake holds a special place in your heart, no matter how dirty the water may look.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Top 10 Reasons My School Rocks!

Why I Chose a Small School Over a Big University.

175092
man in black long sleeve shirt and black pants walking on white concrete pathway

I was asked so many times why I wanted to go to a small school when a big university is so much better. Don't get me wrong, I'm sure a big university is great but I absolutely love going to a small school. I know that I miss out on big sporting events and having people actually know where it is. I can't even count how many times I've been asked where it is and I know they won't know so I just say "somewhere in the middle of Wisconsin." But, I get to know most people at my school and I know my professors very well. Not to mention, being able to walk to the other side of campus in 5 minutes at a casual walking pace. I am so happy I made the decision to go to school where I did. I love my school and these are just a few reasons why.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments