Week 1 Assignment

Week 1

My three main sources for information would be OPB, BBC News and This Morning on CBS. Why are these my main sources of information? I find these outlets to have differing opinions, and they look at issues differently. I like that. It’s different points of view to consider. Then I take all of that and use some critical thinking and do my own research. I’m a very firm believer in not believing everything someone or thing tells me. I don’t like letting others do my thinking or research for me.

In some ways the “fake news” does concern me. A lot of people when told something is “fake” for so long will believe it even if it’s false. In our society opinion hold more sway then actual facts, that’s scary. What gives me a glimmer of hope is there are still true reporters out there putting out good information and squashing the “fake” stuff. Growing up my parents taught me ‘how’ to think, not ‘what’ to think. I was taught to question everything, and that it was ok to question and seek answers. Unless I’ve checked out a particular story and done my own research I will not pass it on in any form. That would be reckless. As stated above the three news sources I listen to/watch have differing opinions, which makes me stop and think about where they’re getting their information.

The statistics I read about were a little alarming. By chance because 67% of the populace are on Facebook that’s where they pick up their information; for YouTube it’s 44%. Only 10% of us are going to three or more sources for our information! Wow! In all three videos encouraged people to fact check, ask tough questions and research. This I believe goes back to the point of not letting others do our thinking for us and not be ok with someone ‘telling’ us what to think instead of us thinking for ourselves.

A little about myself, I’m a psychology major working on my Master’s degree. After college I hope to work at the VA and teach. I have a large crazy family that not only keeps me hopping but keeps me young. I love to weave and cycle. When I don’t have my nose stuck in a text book I’m on my bike, in the water or running. I've chosen LB because 3 of my 4 children have come here and enjoyed their experience. I thought it would be fun to take classes where my kids have. People and culture are amazing to me; media gives me another way of looking at our society. The progression of Media and technology and how it all works together is something that interests me.