Media has the power to
reinforce my existing views, while also expanding and challenging my current
views. One way it reinforces my existing views is by my own confirmation bias.
I tend to watch the shows and channels that already agree with my beliefs. For
example, for the news I tend to watch the Daily Show or Rachael Maddow, because
as commentators I tend to agree with the things they say. I also tend to avoid
watching programs that don’t agree with my beliefs, such as fox news. This way
I usually just tend to hear the views and perspectives that are already in line
with my own. But these programs can also expand and challenge my current views
because they often bring guests on that discuss ideas that are different from
my own. John Stewart does a lot of debates with right ring politicians that are
very challenging and give the politician an opportunity to argue his case for
the beliefs he has.
I have also noticed that I tend to watch shows that I approve of. I like to hear people talk from the same point of view that I have about certain subjects. But also, I feel like it is necessary to open myself up to opposing view points, this way I can critically analyze different sides of an situation and come up with the best one. Also, discussing the situation with others helps a lot because they may have seen it in a completely different light that I may not have considered. Other people will also bring their past experiences and situations in to the discussion which will help me develop the best conclusion.
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