Posted on 03/29/2025 7:13:55 AM PDT by richardtavor
Who is reporting it and what’s their angle? Always check the source. Is it an outlet known to lean Left, Right, or sensationalist? Look at the track record of the news source. Their editorial history can give clear signs whether they are pushing a narrative or giving you straight facts. What is the evidence behind the claim? Look for specifics – quotes, data, documents, or eyewitness accounts. Research those eyewitnesses to understand whether they represent a specific narrative as well. If the outlet uses vague “sources say” statements, that should be an immediate red flag. Like the old Wendy’s commercial – ask yourself, “Where’s the beef?” What am I not seeing? Compare the news to other reports on the same event, even opposing news outlets. If key details – like context, opposing or conflicting accounts, or the other side’s point of view – are not included in a news story, it is likely curated to steer you, not inform you. How fresh is the news, and has it been verified? When receiving breaking news, always wait before sharing, to ensure that it has been fact-checked or verified. So often, early reports get details wrong, and initial assumptions can be wrong. Wait for the dust to settle and don’t get played by your own snap judgments. Why does this feel urgent or emotional? Algorithms are set to produce engagement. Engagement can be either pro or con. When you see an outrageous claim, and you agree with it, you will like or share it. When you disagree with it, you may share it with an outraged comment of your own. Either way, you are engaging and doing precisely what the media wants you to do.
(Excerpt) Read more at jpost.com ...
It’s the JPost leftists, so I don’t trust.
The opposite is likely true.
We all tend to gravitate to sources that validate and reinforce our biases, so we really have to question those sources as much as we question the other side if we don’t want to get bamboozled by both.
Be skeptical of EVERYTHING AND EVERYBODY!
I agree. And when I have relatives and friends that want to convince me of something I know is false (or at least suspect), I tell them I have a ‘Mongo’ Philosophy. In the movie ‘Blazing Saddles’, Mongo, a huge, violent, slow man, was asked if the Governor was behind a new Railroad that was to come through their town, said, “Mongo just pawn in game of life”. I tell my leftist friends, family, and associates that I will not discuss politics or religion but will discuss my various and sundry illnesses.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.