Being knowledgeable about current events has always been a challenge, but as sensationalistic journalism continues to rise in popularity and news sites become more and more politically polarized, it seems almost impossible now to be accurately informed. However, as the November election looms closer, it has perhaps never been more important that the public have access to unbiased information. There are two websites, though, that are attempting to combat this problem and bring people truthful material.
AllSides is a unique news platform which provides articles of every angle for different issues. The website evaluates how far left or right each story leans and then organizes them. This allows readers many possibilities. First, articles with Center rankings provide the reader with their best bet at neutral information. Second, and probably more importantly, readers are then able to choose arguments for both sides of the issue. This supplies the opportunity for readers to engage with the ideas and beliefs of the opposing side. Too often people do not even attempt to understand ideas that differ from theirs, but AllSides makes it so that people have no reason to not do research to get a deeper understand of the all the different opinions. The website is well organized, easy to use, and has a massive amount of information.
FactCheck is a website that evaluates the validity of statements made by different politicians. By going through speeches, the website highlights fictitious parts of the argument. They find evidence to prove what the truth really is and make sure that they cite their sources appropriately. This has become particularly handy in the upcoming election, as candidates continue to make grand, overarching statements that are not always entirely true. But the website has uses beyond the election by addressing different political rumors. They even have a place in which you can submit a question to FactCheck if you have any doubts about any news you have heard. FactCheck makes it easier for people to keep elected officials (and those who hope to be elected officials) accountable for providing correct statistics, data, and events.
While having to go to multiple sites just to receive straightforward information may seem like a hassle, the result of having a clearer conception of the state of our union is worth the effort. A more informed electorate is a better functioning electorate, and discovering what is truly happening in our nation is a valuable use of our time.
