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So I have to write a feature article for my English class and I have to get some interviews. Since I am struggling a bit with getting responses, I figure that I would post here.
The topic of my article is social media and the news, focusing on how it has taken over from the classic methods of reporting and more importantly, how it has allowed for the spread of misinformation.
If y'all are willing, I have four questions to ask. You can go as deep or shallow as you would like, and don't worry, everything in my article will be anonymous (I will either make up names or say Person #1, haven't decided yet). If you have questions, post them and I can answer. Thanks y'all!
Questions:
1. What social media platforms do you use?
2. Do you use social media as the main outlet for your news? If so, what kind of news (entertainment, sports, political, etc.)
3. Has there been a time when social media has skewed your view on an event or person? How did it affect you?
4. Do you believe that misinformation is more easily spread on these platforms, why or why not?
This post may include affiliate links.
#1
I use no social media, unless BP counts. I use Google News and local media outlets. Years ago, a lot of family bothered me until I joined Facebook. Realized real quick that there was was too much trolling and dirty laundry for my liking. Killed it when I grew tired of it, which didn't take long. Too much negativity. Whatever you choose to swim in, you're gonna come out smelling like it. It didn't affect a viewpoint on a specific event or person; I left Facebook just as antisocial as I was before. I already knew that there are a******s in every zip code, but I didn't realize how many Facebook would allow to access my circle. Or, maybe how many a*****e were in my circle already. They were certainly more outspoken with their b******t online than face to face.
I absolutely believe that misinformation is more easily spread when there are so many users and so much time spent on such platforms. A lack of logic and critical thinking just adds to the issue. Too many people just read something or watch a video and take it as law. There's no checking or cross reference; just accept it all as fact, regardless of its basis or source. I also find, moreso recently than ever before, that far too many people find it less exhausting, or maybe safer, to simply accept and agree than form their own perspective, which takes time, reflection, and actual effort sometimes.
Final score:
2points
Ashen Brooks (They/Them) 1 year ago
i feel you and respect you, i dont even know if im gonna try to get social media when I get a phone, it seems like too much stress especially for me who already has multiple health issues including social anxiety disorder and PTSD. but no hate to the people who use it though.
#2
Good luck with your assignment!
1. I generally use BoredPanda (obviously), although I do have a YouTube channel and occasionally go on Reddit if I'm feeling self-destructive.
2. I don't, I use the Apple News app on my phone. I mainly read stories about what's happening locally, American politics, BuzzFeed (don't judge me), and some articles about world politics/occurances.
3. Before I got off the website, I was lurking on a subreddit about conspiracies, that had mainly turned into misinformation about COVID-19 and the vaccine. In all honesty, I was a lot less mature, and actually believed some of it. Thankfully I came to my senses.
4. I think that it's easier to spread misinformation on social media since it's not always coming from a reputable source, and private citizens have no reason to be truthful.
Final score:
1point
#3
I am still a kid so I don’t watch the news much, I also don’t watch it because it scares me, I don’t want to know all the bad things happening in the world that will keep me up all night.
Final score:
1point
#4
I quit social media in 2020. Too much misinformation, too much back-biting, so much hate. I have a Quora account and BP but that's it.
I believe the news was more informative before social media. Now I feel like every channel is trying to make both left and right wing happy. You basically get yes the earth is flat but there is reason to believe there may be a slight curvature in some areas.
Final score:
1point
#5
1) Facebook and here.
2) No
3) I got outraged about the Covington Kids for about a half hour. Eventually there was more to the story.
4) I believe misinformation is spread everywhere. Not just social media. Think about how many mainstream news programs are sponsored by Pfizer.
Final score:
0points
#7
coming from a rumor victim multiple times, almost all of it is complete B S ad you cant change my mind.
Final score:
0points
#8
1. I use facebook and bored panda.
2. I don't use social media as a news source. I listen to the news on our national public radio/tv station as it is reliable and not as biased.
3. If my view of the news was ever skewed by social media, it was when I gave into clickbait and I would then follow it up by finding a source I respect more to get the full story.
4. I think misinformation is more easily spread on these platforms because all it takes is one person sharing a skewed story for many more people to see it and it becomes compounded upon each time another person shares. Also, there is no requirement for people to even post sources of their 'information' when sharing it. They can easily put their opinion down as fact.
Final score:
0points
#9
From what I’ve seen social media tends to spread more negativity than any positive benefits it adds to the world. I refused to do Facebook from the very beginning. I finally got on Pinterest, mostly because I’m addicted to positive quotes, movie quotes, etc. Pinterest eventually led me to BP, and that’s the extent of my social media interactions. I think everyone would be better off if the Facebook had never gone public.
Final score:
0points
#10
1. Facebook, Instagram, TikTok
2. No. I use a combination of the Associated Press, BBC, NPR, and Reuters.
3. I was pretty messed up by the events of Jan 6, 2021. While I am educated, I was filled with disbelief that there wasn't a planned response beyond what we saw. Skilled journalists has been writing about a rising wave of insurrectionists planning something that day. Social media baffled me because the of minimization of what was occurring. Lots of "are we watching the same thing"' moments. Echo chambers were wild that day.
4. Yes. Media literacy isn't taught well enough to the general population. It's alarming to see satire sites be considered "news."
Final score:
0points
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