I casually consume news, and pursue stories and perspectives if something perks my interest. I am interested in international news, national news, state news, and local news. Though, I do have to admit that I am more attentive towards local news, as it involves me much more, and could impact my personal life. During this recent election cycle, I tried to keep up with the news from both candidates, and I’ve also been checking in on the various wars taking place abroad as I believe at least a basic understanding of these events is very important for the public to know. On a more lighthearted note, I tend to keep up with pop culture for entertainment, though it isn’t always necessary or important. I most closely follow news from my hometown, and my current city as it directly affects me or my friends and family. As well as professional news sources, I often find non-official sources to get different perspectives and more candid thoughts on issues, like online forums or groups. I don’t often directly search specific news companies, but the topic itself on google. I always try to read multiple articles, and do research on my sources for any biases.
I intake every medium of news: text, photos, and video. I do believe that text and photos are the quickest way to absorb content, so that is what I tend to go for. Though, with the nature of short form video content I do come across videos on various current events frequently. I never interact with any news directly as a consumer or audience member, unless I’m the one reporting on it and I need to interview sources. Social media frequently leads me to news as many people post their opinions or will post news links to spread awareness to certain topics or causes. Seeing certain posts or headlines sometimes perks my interest, and sometimes people’s passionate responses to events will lead me to research the topic to form my own opinion. The social media I most frequently use that leads me to stories is TikTok, Instagram and sometimes Facebook as I’m in community forums there. I’ve never been too interested in X or anything like it, so I’ve stayed away from it, but on other social media I’m really only following friends, family and maybe a few notable people here and there. My social media accounts are private as I prioritize my privacy and don’t want everyone having such easy access to my life. I don’t really read blogs, or listen to any official podcasts, but I do enjoy watching video essays on Youtube on various topics I’m somewhat interested in. In today’s age, it’s very hard to keep track of news articles authenticity, and even if a story is real, it can often be hyperbolized or misrepresented due to biases. I know general information about certain political leanings of news companies, for example CNN being more left-leaning and FOX being more right. I might read an article, but if something seems far stretched or if it is written in a way I feel doesn’t make sense, I usually take a deeper look. If I find a source that is using certain negative terminology or any outright manipulative headlines, etc. (especially when describing another political candidate) alarm bells usually start ringing for me as I never thought that was professional even if they are right. Overall, I try to remain unbiased, and really look into what I am looking at before I react or believe the source, as I think that is all I can do as a responsible consumer of news and media.
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