In Light Of Fake News And Advocacy Journalism, We Must Be Savvy News Consumers

[Commentary] Who do we rely on to get our news? Unfortunately, most people are getting their news via social media. It’s important that people regain their trust in the mainstream media due to flaws in social media, such as recent fake news stories posted on Facebook and Twitter. However, most of the blame on the public’s information deficit is being placed on the media and social media platforms. That blame is partially misplaced. We, as news consumers, need to take the initiative to be more skeptical and questioning about the information that we receive.

It’s also essential that people become savvy media consumers in order to wade through the vast ocean of information that is available. The mainstream media and journalism took a reputation hit during this past election. However, journalists continue to serve an important role in society as watchdogs on the government and politicians to keep them honest and to expose corruption. It’s a profession that we can’t live without in a free society.

[Larry Atkins teaches Journalism at Temple University and Arcadia University.]