新闻类素材积累

1、Why are news not always objective/reliable?

News are producted to protect their business interests.

        In order to draw the attention of readers, news are sometimes exaggerated and polished, since sensationalized(耸人听闻的) stories will make the public watch the news channels or read newspapers regularly.

The influence of Internet plays a significant part. 

        In the world of mass media, the Internet has also multiplied the amount of information and viewpoints, with social media, blogs and online video turning every individual into a potential reporter. But if everyone is a reporter, nobody is. Because different sources may disagree, not only opinions but also the facts themselves. Social media can allow rumors(谣言) to spread before they can be verified(被核实) and falsehoods(谎言) to survive long after they have been refuted(驳斥).

2、What is the function/role of newspaper/news media?

Provide information.

        provide a large amount of information about various happenings around the world. Especially when reported objectively, it is beneficial to the readers. For example, if the media is unbiased, and reports news as it is, it can help its readers vote the right government to power.

        people can accurately interpret and analyze what has happened to present a fair analysis in order to shape public opinion. Since they can learn something from different aspects. Through a thorough understanding, people can break the" Islands of information".

recreational activity

3、What can we do to find out real information/minimize the chances of being misled by misinformtion?

get the original news

        Instead of articles interpreting a scientific study or a polotician's speech, individuals should find the actual material and judge for themselves.

        learn from multiple outlets which employ different reporters and interview different experts. Turing in to various sources and noting the differences lets you put the pieces together for a more complete picture.

        It's also crucial to separate fact from opinion. Words like think, likely, or probably mean that the outlet is being careful or, worse, taking a guess.