4 Signs You’re Being Controlled by The Media
By
It's no secret that the media has always played a significant role in how public opinion is formed. War propaganda, for example, was used as a tool to encourage the public to support the government's cause. However, the media is becoming more and more omnipresent just about everywhere that we look. From the television to our phones, to even the books we have on our bookcases, there are constant sources of information coming into our brains, which can have a lot of impact on the way we perceive the world. The truth is that it's becoming increasingly difficult to decipher the truth from fantasy. However, not everyone is able to understand the subtle impact that media control can have on us. Some people are completely brainwashed by the media, and they don't even realize it. Have you ever wondered if you're one of those people? Here are some signs that may indicate that you're being controlled by the media. Emotional Response One of the most effective ways that the media can control us is through emotional manipulation. If you find yourself feeling a strong emotional response to a certain headline or news story, then ask yourself whether it's exactly what they want you to be feeling. Often, the news is spun in such a way that it evokes an emotional response. Whether it's fear, anger, or happiness, check in on your emotions when you watch the news. Media outlets are often playing on your emotions to get a specific emotional reaction out of you that aligns with their agenda. Your News Feed is an Echo Chamber Once upon a time, social media was a place where there were varying opinions and viewpoints. However, if you start to notice that your news feed has become an echo chamber of the same thoughts and ideas, then this could be a sign of a big problem. Algorithms on social media may be controlling your news feed so that you're only seeing what they want you to see. Echo chambers result in a narrow-minded worldview and discourage you from considering other people's perspectives. You’ve Stopped Using Critical Thinking Do you find yourself accepting information at face value without questioning it for a second? Then this is an indication that you've stopped using your critical thinking. Critical thinking is when you evaluate not only the information you were given but also the source. If you're not actively considering everything that's gone into the information you're receiving or whether it's even true, then you could be unwittingly following the masses, believing totally biased information with no credibility. Falling for Clickbait Do you find yourself scrolling and drawn to a headline in particular? This is no accident! Websites like Facebook and Instagram track your behavior, and they know which headlines you're more likely to click on. Often, the more sensationalized the headline is, the more likely you are to fall for it.
