Most of us probably watch the news and read articles with some understanding that the ‘news’ is carefully selected and crafted to get the most views and sell advertising. The morning or evening news, whether local or national or world, is just a snippet of the thousands of life-altering, life-threatening, or life-saving events happening 24/7. A few people get to decide which stories deserve to be highlighted, and , thanks to big data, they know what people like. Most of it is more entertainment than information. Even the weather is highly speculative or sensational. People like to be shocked and outraged and scared and occasionally made to feel good.

Often we watch and consume ‘news’ and videos online with only half our attention. Some of that stuff doesn’t really matter that much. You forget it pretty quickly. But consuming all this stuff can shape your perception of reality if you are not aware of its biased and selective nature. Is the world a good or bad place? Should I be worried or hopeful about the future? Who are the good people? Who are the bad people? The media uses our half-attention to guide our subconscious mind to predetermined conclusions.

One of the dangers of getting your worldview from the media is that it is extremely narrow and doesn’t present every viewpoint. Another is that it distills complex topics as black and white when in reality there are many unknowns. And very often subjective opinions are presented as fact. If you are not careful you will get a very unrealistic idea of the world. You have to get out and experience the world, read books , and talk to people before you can decide what life is all about.

When it comes to political or economic or science news, it will almost always be biased, if only because simply by putting it out the author is saying, “Here, read this, it’s an important topic that deserves some space in your mind.”. As the culture wars become more destructive, it is very important that we guard our hearts and minds daily. I think you get the idea so I will stop here.

Here is a list I coped from The Corbett Report that I thought was handy to use to evaluate the news. Even if you already do this, maybe someone you know needs to read it.

• Why is this media outlet showing us this report?
• What interest do they have in making us think a particular way about the issue presented?
• Can the information in the report be independently confirmed or triangulated from other sources?
• Whose viewpoint is being shown and how is that viewpoint portrayed? Whose viewpoint is being excluded? Why?
• What language is being used to frame the issue?
• What does the report want to make us believe about the world?
• Are we in agreement with the report? Why or why not?

As a Christian, I would add the following.

• Does this line up with scripture?
• Does this glorify God as sovereign, holy creator of the universe?
• Does this make me feel more compassionate towards others or increase division?
• What is the loving response?
• How can I use this information to spread the gospel?
• Always pray for the victims of the evil in this world. Leave the judging to God.
• Be careful not to be deceived by the lies of the devil.