143. (S8E27) Critically Thinking about the News with Mosheh Oinounou
Aug 17, 2022
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Journalist Mosheh Oinounou discusses his news-neutral approach and the difficulties of unbiased reporting. They explore the evolution of journalism, the impact of social media on news coverage, and the challenges of finding trustworthy information. The conversation also touches on transitioning from summer to school with online classes and examines the division and complexity of current issues.
Journalists need to focus on verifying facts and holding those in power accountable.
Individuals must be self-aware of their biases and vet sources to avoid reinforcing echo chambers.
Teaching critical thinking is crucial for navigating complex issues like COVID-19 and balancing scientific knowledge with public opinion.
Deep dives
The Challenges of Journalism in the Digital Age
In the podcast episode, Moshé discusses the challenges that journalists face in the digital age. He highlights how social media platforms and the algorithm-driven news feeds have contributed to the decline in trust in traditional media sources. He emphasizes the importance of vetting sources and being critical of the information we consume. Moshé also mentions the need for journalists to move away from sensationalism and infotainment and return to the core principles of journalism, such as verifying facts and holding those in power accountable.
The Influence of Social Media and Confirmation Bias
Moshé talks about the influence of social media on the way people consume news and form their opinions. He highlights how the algorithm-driven platforms tend to reinforce people's existing beliefs and lead to echo chambers. He suggests that individuals need to be self-aware of their own biases and be willing to seek out different perspectives and vet sources before forming opinions. Moshé also discusses how social media can turn current events into infotainment, where the focus is on sensationalism rather than objective reporting.
The Challenges of Navigating COVID-19 Information
The podcast episode explores the challenges people face in navigating information during the COVID-19 pandemic. Moshé discusses how people initially sought certainty and immediate answers, but the evolving nature of the pandemic and the scientific process meant information was constantly being updated. He mentions the challenges of balancing scientific knowledge with public opinion and the role of leadership in shaping public perception. Moshé suggests that teaching children about the reality of information and the importance of critical thinking is crucial in helping them navigate complex issues like COVID-19.
Media's Focus on Ratings and Profitability
The podcast discusses how the media, driven by the quest for ratings and profitability, often sensationalizes and neglects important issues during events like presidential debates. This is due to the influence of advertising and the pressure to keep viewers interested. The podcast highlights the impact of private media ownership and the need for news divisions to generate revenue. It also raises concerns that news coverage has become more about infotainment than providing relevant and impactful information.
The Influence of Social Media and Polarization
The podcast explores how social media has impacted public discourse and the sharing of opinions. It is noted that social media platforms have encouraged people to express their beliefs in a bold and sometimes confrontational manner. This has led to the polarization of society and the siloing of individuals based on their political affiliations. The podcast suggests that the anonymity of online interactions has contributed to dehumanization and the loss of thoughtful discussion. Furthermore, it examines the role of primary elections in promoting more extreme viewpoints and contributing to the divisive political landscape.
We’ve been discussing the importance of critical thinking lately, and today’s guest is a perfect example of why it’s so important—and also incredibly difficult. I’m speaking with Mosheh Oinounou, a journalist who has risen to fame on Instagram for his neutral approach to the news, digging into headlines, and discussing social issues. On top of that, he is a fabulous conversationalist, which shines through in this interview. He focuses on verified headlines and is interested in facts above all else.
Mosheh’s news-neutral platform welcomes a variety of opinions and is a place for people to learn from each other and recognize where we each come from. We talk about the current wave of news coverage and journalism, why nobody is truly unbiased, why so much news gets turned into “infotainment,” and the difficulties of being unbiased in a social media world.
Are your kids nervous to jump back into education after the summer? Consider one of our online courses to ease them back into the school year while tapping into their interests. Visit bravewriter.com/online-classes to learn more.
Book Club: Arrow is our book club recommended for kids ages 9-12.
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