Consumed or Doomed: Why Students Must Stay Informed in the Digital Age
Over the past decade, in particular since the 2016 election, studies have shown that misinformation and inaccurate reporting have become more prevalent than ever in part due to the increased political polarization between Republicans and Democrats. Today it is crucial for students, in particular, to be able to sift through sources and understand their often biased lenses or exaggerated headlines in order to have a well-informed perspective on the news.
While most students receive their information from legacy media like the New York Times and the BBC, many also encounter news on social media platforms such as TikTok and Instagram; however, their reliance on these platforms has decreased over time due to concerns about their accuracy.
Chaya M. ‘28 explained that she now relies primarily on the New York Times and conversations with her parents for information; however, she used to rely more on social media when she was younger. Reflecting on past habits, she described her earlier interactions with such platforms as “falling for the trap.” Chaya has become increasingly aware of how headlines and algorithms can be misleading through exaggerated framing, and she now conducts her own research using more reliable sources.
Other students echoed similar concerns. Molly S. ‘28 has learned to “never rely on one source” when researching. She pointed out that even credible sources can exaggerate information to gain more attention and persuade public opinion on a certain event. This can often lead individuals’ “opinions to be shaped by a single perspective” rather than facts.
Similarly, Micah W. ‘26 relies on multiple sources to understand different viewpoints. Although he often relies on platforms such as the New York Times, Micah acknowledges that “the Times definitely has a liberal slant” and likes to consult other sources to form nuanced opinions on various events.
Most students interviewed, even if conducting their own research on various sources, often turn to platforms that validate their beliefs. Caro C. ‘27 notes how algorithms on social media platforms such as TikTok are “excellent at altering the information you view” to confirm one’s beliefs. Caro, for instance, has “never seen a post about Donald Trump” in her feed.
In this way, social media can filter out perspectives that users are less likely to engage with and make opposing views less visible, reinforcing individuals’ existing beliefs and creating a one-sided perspective.
As Stella L-G. ‘27 says, “Going on TikTok or Instagram to get your news consumption is not going to give you an objective opinion. It’s going to give you one person’s opinion.”
In particular, it will likely give you the biased perspective of “influencers talk[ing] about their opinion on something, which doesn’t really mean anything,” as Gigi ‘28 expressed. Oftentimes, influencers present these ideas as facts, as Gigi noted, but they are often opinions hidden behind your screen.
Although social media can cause students and viewers in general to receive inaccurate information, it can also have a positive effect in spreading news and leading students to conduct research on current events. For instance, Myla ‘28 says that she “usually see[s] news on TikTok or Instagram first,” leading her to do more research on the event and converse about it with her peers and family members.
News platforms, such as Ground News, can help students discern misinformation and biases across various platforms. The platforms compare various articles and label their political bias so individuals can get a balanced perspective.
Ultimately, though, no platform can replace critical thinking. As misinformation continues to spread and algorithms shape what individuals see, students must take responsibility for seeking out diverse perspectives to form well-informed opinions, rather than relying solely on parents or their “go-to” platform to provide an accurate account of events. Although yes, it can be time-consuming, the confidence you will have in your research, knowing it’s based on true accounts and accurate reporting, is extremely rewarding.
Madison G. ‘27, the author, is a staff writer for The Grace Gazette.