I write a Substack newsletter called The Media & Us, which explores our relationship with the news and social media, and vice versa. I came up with this idea as both a working journalist and an adjunct English professional, and seeing the criticisms and the affects of both media on people. I feel this newsletter is good way make sense of all the partisanship and chaos we're experiencing these days.
Here are some excerpts to three of my most popular posts to give you an idea on what I write about:
Everyone is Biased - Part 1
Most people consume news based on their biases. They do, even if they say that’s not the case. That is why left-leaning Americans are more apt to follow the Washington Post, VOX Media, and The Guardian. That is why right-leaning Americans are more apt to follow the Wall Street Journal, Real Clear Politics, and National Review. It is also why both groups don’t often follow news from the other side of the aisle. Yes, there are some willing to check out what the other side is reporting and explaining they’re trying to get both sides of the story. But there are also some who do check out the other side to confirm their bias towards a news event - and therefore, confirm their bias that the other side is “stupid”, “uninformed”, and even “the enemy”.
Why is There So Many Distrust Towards the Media?
I’ve mentioned before that sensationalism in news hurts trust in the news media, and that cable news behaving more like entertainment is making journalism look bad. Maybe if the news media got its act together and fixed these two problems, than trust in the news media will arise. Or maybe I’m being too optimistic because there are so many factors in the lack of trust in the news media. Let’s not forget the United States is a large country with millions of people with millions of different lives. Perhaps the overt focus on politicians rather than on the everyday people who live in this country, many of whom are struggling, is why so many Americans distrust and even despise the news media.
Who or What Dumbed Down America?
But even if there’s a lack of critical thinking lessons in our schools, that doesn’t mean many Americans are lacking this skill. When I am not writing, I teach freshmen composition college courses, and I’ve had many discussions with many young people (Gen Z to be exact) about the environment, democracy, what is truth, human rights, and so on. Based on what I’ve seen, critical thinking skills are alive and well. Many are able to strongly analyze and dissect issues, and provide points of view to their classmates. So, I am certain that critical thinking is not dead in our country. Could there be an improvement? Sure! I mean, why else am I doing this newsletter? ;-)