I have always prided myself on staying politically informed, but I have found it hard to find neutral information as the polarization between parties becomes more stark day after day. Through this struggle, I have found new ways to stay informed on perspectives from both the right and the left—although they are each steeped in their own rhetoric and propaganda. Information is power, and being informed during times like these is crucial to understanding the world around us; however, it is important to be vigilant about how the truth can be bent and altered to present different narratives.
Download news apps and turn on push notifications
The easiest way to get consistent information throughout the day is simply by downloading a handful of news apps and turning on the push notifications. They will send an alert for most major—and some minor—news events. Although a lot of news apps cost money to read, they do not require money for notifications. A few of the best free news sources are National Public Radio (NPR), Associated Press (AP) News, PBS NewsHour, CNN, and BBC News. While push notifications may be annoying as they constantly go off, reading headlines as a notification provides a baseline of information. This foundation of knowledge allows people to get live updates about what is happening worldwide, from the stock market to the unprecedented actions of the Trump administration. These headlines give an overview of information on a plethora of topics.
Follow credible news sources on social media
Most teens and young adults spend several hours per day on social media—often as an escape from the overwhelming, far from stable world around them; however, social media can also be a tool to get information to many people that aren’t otherwise seeking it out. By taking a couple of minutes to follow reputable news sources, it shows social media algorithms that the user is seeking out political, climate, and economic media. This will provide snippets of information and news coverage, but when looking at news coverage on social media, be sure that the source is credible. Ask for and check sources if it is coming from an influencer and not a news platform to ensure that the information is trustworthy. The simple act of following these news sources will put the information that people need to see into digestible chunks among their regularly consumed media.
Check AllSides to understand the biases of the news that you interact with
Understanding the biases of the news sources you interact with is crucial to recognizing your own biases. Many news sources have different branches of their company that tend to lean towards different sides. For example, The New York Times (opinion) is left-biased while The New York Times (news) only leans left. Similarly, the New York Post (news) only leans right, but the New York Post (opinion) is right-biased. The site also shows how differently centered news sources are actively covering an issue, including a difference in narrative based on the same facts provided. Recognizing and understanding the biases that are related to each of the news platforms that you frequently interact with will not only help you understand your own biases, but even work against them to see the whole picture.
Talk with the people in your life
While this is the most daunting way to be informed, it is the most accessible. It not only builds your understanding of both your and their opinions, but it can also deepen your relationship. Discussing politics in a healthy, constructive way unearths your core values and can expose differing beliefs. This leads to a more open relationship and conversation. It is essential to be receptive when discussing politics by listening to understand rather than to respond.
Knowledge is powerful, especially when the news and media are flooded with polar opposite narratives. Understanding the facts that feed each narrative is crucial to remaining grounded and truly aware of the world that surrounds each of us.
