We were just trying to catch up over coffee. Then we read this news article, same one, same facts. I thought it was fair. My friend said it was clearly biased against their side. This semester I learned that this is the Hostile Media Effect. Wild how our brains can turn neutral into the enemy #J201

An echo chamber isn’t just a metaphor, but it’s the reality for many online. When algorithms feed us content we already agree with, opposing views fade out, and our own opinions get amplified. Social media doesn’t just reflect our beliefs; it reinforces them. And the result? Polarization. #J201 #315

The article by Deaven discusses how a newsroom's trust can be earned through inclusive reporting and thoughtful audience representation. She notes that hiring more Black journalists and building deep relationships requires long-term commitment and money. How can small local news keep up? #J201 #315

How does widespread belief in conspiracy theories harm people’s participation in democracy and weaken institutions like the government and the press? And, how can journalism respond to these problems in a way that still follows ethical standards, like truthfulness and fairness? #J201 #315

The line between protection and control is thin, and often depends on who’s drawing it. Governments might say they’re shielding people from misinformation, violence, or hate speech, but critics could argue they’re limiting free thought, dissent, or truth. What do you think? #j201 #315

Media influence blends with personal experience, making it hard to trace where a belief originated. Over time, repeated exposure to messages in TV, news, ads, and social media can shape how we see the world. How can we separate genuine beliefs from those cultivated by media over time? #j201 #315

"America has no king" seems like a good theme to rally around

The core mission of journalism is supposedly the truth, but truth itself is increasingly subjective in a fragmented media landscape! Can journalism still function as a societal watchdog... or has it become just another player in the game of perception to those who are fooled? #UWJ201 #315

If news sources exist to inform the population, but algorithms reward outrage and sensationalism, is journalism still serving the public interest- or just feeding the hungry engagement machine? #UWJ201 #315 #engagement

#UWJ201 Trumps Presidency has raised questions about his close, right-hand team of billionaires. If he is controlling the tech industry, he controls what's seen and what's censored. My roommate is Finnish and her maps still says Gulf of Mexico while mine says Gulf of America on the top half.