TRAC
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DEFINITIONS
CONFIRMATION BIAS
Confirmation bias is how your own biases affect how you interpret information.
You might go looking for info that confirms what you already think
You interpret information in a way that confirms with what you already believe.
You might disregard things you don’t agree with, even if there is evidence that they’re true.
MEDIA bias
MEDIA is the word used to describe different platforms of communication designed to reach the mass of the people.
Each platform is a medium. The plural is MEDIA.
Broadcasting - TV, Radio, Podcasts
Publishing - Newspapers, magazines
Internet - Websites, blogs, social media platforms
OVERT BIAS: Being Obvious
Being clear about what political perspective is being presented or followed.
Some sources let their users know what their views are. They are clear about what they’re interested in and being clear about it may attract viewers.
media BIAS
When talking about information sources, the term “bias” refers to whether a source is giving one-sided information or neutral/balanced information.
Whose point of view is being represented?
Is the information giving you the whole story?
SECRET BIAS: Being Subtle
Secret Bias exists when a news source is not clear about their existing political leanings or biases.
They might let users know of their biases through SUBTLE language that seems neutral, but is actually biased.
Or it could be visible in what topics they choose to (and not to) cover, who they choose to go to for expert-opinions, etc.
Day 2 Challenges
Below, you'll find some tools to help you figure out if information is biased. This works well if you have the tools in front of you and it's a source that has been checked. To help you understand how to use these tools, complete the following challenges and accompanying Google form.
Use this Google form to complete the activities.
Challenge 1: Sam loves electric vehicles!
MEDIA BIAS CHARTS
Challenge 2: Texas banned Mountain Dew?
This is a TikTok from a few weeks ago. Use the fact check websites below to see if it's real or not and why people might believe it's real.
FACT CHECKING WEBSITE
rumorguard.org
snopes.com
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