With the current trust in media averaging at about 32 percent, it is difficult to know how to be a well-informed citizen. The rise of fake news and the polarization of media has made it challenging to tell what is a reliable and true source for media consumption.

While I cannot tell you what to believe and read (or force you to agree with every topic I write about), I want my readers to at least know how to be informed. In case I reference this in the future, I’m going to share my recipe for consuming news:

Recipe:

1. At Least one “liberal” news source

2. At Least one “conservative” news source

3. At Least one international news source

4. Combine and let rest until you have a viewpoint you can defend objectively.

So why do I have to not only go out of my way to see an opposing side, but I have to look at it from an international opinion as well? Media companies are typically biased to either the right or the left because this is what attracts viewers. This leaves out a non-biased opinion.

International news sources typically do not have ties to a certain party and tend to write about news from a non-partisan viewpoint.

This is all so you, dear readers, can have a broader view of opinions on whatever topics you care about. The mistake that the average citizen makes when consuming media is that they only watch or read the news that they agree with.

This is not to say that there is no logic behind this.

Of course, you want to watch news that tells you what you want to hear, but this article is not about being an average person. This is about being a better person.

Better in the sense of being prepared for that dreaded debate with your grandparents on Thanksgiving about their political views. With this sweet recipe you’re bringing to the table, you’ll have a surefire way to cut off any attacks on your personal beliefs.

Not to forget Karen from HR who always says that one thing about Donald Trump that tests your patience.

By knowing their side you are prepared to have an actual debate not just ending up writing prank emails hoping she quits. Not only will you be prepared from your research, but you are also opening yourself up to learn even more by rationalizing your side, while trying to understand theirs. And who knows, maybe you’ll learn something you didn’t know.

I understand that this is a lot to simply have an opinion, but part of the right of having an opinion is that you are able to defend it. Of course, you don’t have to follow this for every news article you read, but for the ones that matter to you, it’s always good to understand how other people view the topic. Make it a point to be informed, and don’t fall into the trap of being close-minded about your opinions. Don’t be bitter, be better, and be informed (and chat with Karen she's a lovely woman once you get to know her).