Media Reality: An Oxymoron?
Have you ever compared the so-called major online news websites? I did so today, as I was interested in Washington’s progress on the 2011-2012 budget. The differences are really quite striking. I don’t mean the designs of the websites, but the content itself. Some are more “hardcore news” related, while others tend toward a pablum-like content, geared to those who like to drink the “dumbed-down” flavor of Kool-Aid on a regular basis.
Then, there are certain sections whose substance really makes me wonder if those topics are really all that interesting to most people, to just the editors, or to the selection bias of the website’s followers. And that is the real issue here: Are we really getting the unbiased “news” we hope we hope to obtain or are we being deliberately, ideologically influenced? I don’t mean to sound paranoid, but this is a valid question.
Everyone’s “reality” is different. It is a product of our past experiences as well as our present state of mind and personality traits. Our expectations strongly influence what we call “reality”, so if we think that a particular news website is offering us accurate information, then we will tend to believe that unless we find out differently. So OK, let’s assume that the information is accurate, that is still only one variable in our search to find out what’s going on in the world. What about the comprehensiveness of content? How do we know that we are being presented with all aspects of a particular story? Unfortunately, there’s no way we can answer either of these questions.
So since there is no readily available, truthful explanation to these questions, what can be done about this? I’d suggest the following:
- Accept the fact that there is bias in the media as part of each organization’s greater goals
- Accept the fact that we are all creatures of habit and our routines are self-validating
- Check out different news websites, even those from other countries
- Objectively compare the “flavors” of each website, the key word here being “objective”
- It’s OK if you discover you prefer the pablum format, just be honest with yourself that it’s not the significant stuff that’s happening
- Regularly read different news sources with different biases to make your own decisions about reality, rather than someone telling you what to believe
You’ll probably learn more about yourself in this process, which is a really good thing. Don’t be afraid to change or add bookmarks to your browser (or maybe even change your browser) as well as your views. Personal growth only comes through the challenge of change: go for it!
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About Dr. Virginia
As a licensed Psychologist practicing Cognitive therapy, I work with my clients to help them identify the personal issues that are preventing them from achieving a more satisfying and well-adjusted life.
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