Information I consume - Emma O'Connor

 In the digital era, being well-informed is about cutting through a noisy media landscape with true reporting and false information. My sources of information are a mix of The New York Times, NPR, and various forms of small videos. The New York Times provides me with in-depth coverage and investigative journalism, NPR provides me with thorough and balanced coverage, and TikTok is a platform with short videos that tend to be a small bit of information. However, no source is completely objective, so I have the habit of cross-verifying reports, finding primary sources, and paying attention to emotionally charged language to gauge the credibility of information.

Misinformation, like deep fakes and disinformation, is becoming a growing menace. Deep fakes, through AI video and audio editing, can create convincing but entirely false accounts, particularly in politics and foreign affairs. The rapid spread of misinformation, often fueled by social media algorithms prioritizing engagement over veracity, makes it difficult to separate fact from fiction. While this is concerning, I believe education and critical thinking are the best defenses. Understanding how to check facts and be skeptical of media can neutralize the effects of misinformation.

Social media dominates the information landscape more and more, but their algorithms create filter bubbles that recycle bias by selecting content based on users' prior opinions. Despite attempts by Twitter (X) and Instagram to implement fact-checking, they still struggle to contain the epidemic spread of disinformation. As much control as they enjoy, social media companies must do more to support fact-based information and slow the transmission of lies. Ultimately, responsibly consuming news is work—working with multiple sources, questioning narratives, and paying attention to media bias are all important steps toward building a truer world.