Understanding the News
Headlines are changing every day, and it’s hard to know what’s true, what’s not, who has an objective point of view, and how to respond. There’s a lot of misinformation out there, and sorting through the news can feel almost impossible. It’s never been more important to be a savvy media consumer. Fortunately, we’ve got you covered.
From endless scrolling to flashy headlines, it's tough to know what's real, what's just noise, and what’s potentially harmful disinformation. Developing good media literacy is key to accessing, analyzing, and evaluating media in all forms. So, how can you be more media literate when it comes to antisemitism and Israel?
Before you share that shocking headline or mind-blowing meme, ask yourself: Who created this? What's their angle? Is it legit or just clickbait? Understanding the origin of the information can help you gauge its reliability.
News isn't necessarily neutral. All media is created with a certain perspective or bias. What we refer to as “the media” is made up of people who have emotions, opinions, and biases (both conscious and unconscious). Pay attention to the language used and who's telling the story. Are they trying to sway your opinion?
You should look for the evidence supporting the claims made. Are the sources cited credible and relevant? Is the information backed by data, research, or expert opinion? Don't just believe it. Find solid sources to back it up or question it.
Misinformation refers to false or misleading information shared without harmful intent, while disinformation is deliberately deceptive content spread with the intent to mislead. Social media is particularly susceptible to misinformation, and such content can spread rapidly. Fact-checking websites, cross-referencing multiple sources, and using critical thinking are essential tools in combating misinformation and disinformation.
Different forms of media have different conventions and limitations. TikTok trends, Instagram influencers, and news articles are all different beasts. Understand how each platform works and what it's trying to do for and to you.
Media often uses emotional appeals to persuade or influence the audience. While emotions are a natural part of human communication, you should be cautious of content that attempts to manipulate your feelings to push a particular agenda. You should ask yourself whether the emotional response is backed by facts or if it is being used to distract from the lack of evidence.