How News Shapes Our Views: Spotting Bias in What We Read and Watch

Even When you Don’t Agree

You are constantly bombarded with an enormous amount of information. Among this, news is a significant source that shapes our opinions, attitudes, and beliefs about the world around us.

But have you ever stopped to ponder whether the news you’re consuming is giving you the whole picture? Or could it be subtly steering your views in a certain direction?

To start with, it’s crucial to understand that no news source can be utterly unbiased. Journalists, editors, and broadcasters all have their viewpoints, which can influence how news is reported and presented.

Recognising this inherent bias is the first step towards critically analysing the news we consume.

Spotting Bias: A Closer Look

Bias in the news can manifest in several ways, such as in the choice of stories that are reported, the language used, or how a story is framed.

For instance, two newspapers might report the same event differently, focusing on separate aspects that align with their editorial viewpoints.

While one may emphasise the peaceful nature of a protest, another might highlight instances of conflict, leading readers to form different perceptions of the same event.

An easily relatable example comes from how newspapers reported on the Brexit debates. Regardless of where one stood on the issue, it was hard not to notice the stark contrasts in coverage.

Some headlines screamed about the potential for economic doom, while others celebrated the prospect of regained sovereignty. Each aimed to tug at certain emotions, pushing the reader towards a specific viewpoint.

Real Quotes, Real People

“I always try to read between the lines,” says Sarah. “It’s not just about what they’re saying but also what they’re not saying.” Sarah touches on an important aspect of spotting bias… “omission”.

What a news piece leaves out can be as telling as what it includes.

By paying attention to the missing pieces, we can start to see the fuller picture.

The Role of Psychological Theory

Psychological theories offer insights into how biases in news can influence us. The theory of confirmation bias, for example, suggests that we tend to gravitate towards information that confirms our pre-existing beliefs.

So, if you’re reading news that always seems to align with your views, you may be in an echo chamber that reinforces rather than challenges your perceptions.

Another psychological concept, the “availability heuristic”, explains how our perceptions of reality can be shaped by what is most easily brought to mind.

News sources that frequently report on specific types of events can lead us to overestimate their frequency or importance, influencing our worldviews.

Breaking the Bias

So, how do we navigate this biased landscape? First, diversify your news sources. Don’t just stick to one newspaper or TV channel. Explore different outlets, including those from other countries or political spectrums, to get a broader range of perspectives.

Critical thinking is your best ally. Ask yourself questions about the news you’re consuming: Who is benefiting from this story? What might they be leaving out? Why was it written in this particular way?

Engagement and discussion are also key. Talk about the news with friends or family members who might have different viewpoints. This can expose you to different interpretations and help break down the barriers of your echo chamber.

While we might not always be able to escape bias, we can certainly become more aware of it and thus, more discerning news consumers. This doesn’t just broaden our understanding of the world; it deepens it, fostering a more informed, empathetic, and critical society.

As my dear friend John puts it, “Understanding bias doesn’t mean we can’t enjoy our favourite news; it just means we need to keep our eyes wide open while we do.”

And isn’t that what being informed is all about?

Thanks for reading