Thursday, August 22, 2024

#1 Navigating the News: My Top 5 Platforms for Staying Informed

 In today's day and age, your source of news differs greatly based on factors like political belief, age, demographics, and more. Personally, I tend to gravitate towards a few platforms that provide me with quick, but detailed information. These sources are social media platforms and are as follows:


1. TikTok

TikTok is one of the most popular social media platforms that people of all ages use as a way to access current news, entertainment, and other information. For people in my generation who have shorter attention spans, TikTok is appealing because of its quick but detailed videos that can easily summarize information. The app uses a feature called a "For You" page where it curates content based on what it thinks you'd like based on what you interact with on the platform.  But, you can also use the search bar to find more specific topics. As someone who doesn't watch the news, TikTok is a helpful way for me to get an idea of what is going on in the world within a matter of minutes, and I can find almost all of the information about a topic from different accounts and videos. Since this is the most used app on my phone, it is where most of my information comes from and can be anything from politics to product reviews.

2. Snapchat

My primary use of Snapchat is to keep in contact with my friends, sharing short pictures and videos that allow us to stay connected in a fun and casual way. Snapchat's Discover page, dedicated to news and entertainment, offers a variety of content tailored to users' interests. I occasionally browse this page, where I encounter stories of tragedies, triumphs, and celebrity gossip. While the platform provides quick and easily digestible content, I’ve noticed that many of the articles have typos and aren’t always well-written, which detracts from their credibility. Because of this, I don’t rely on Snapchat as a primary source for news, but it’s an easy way to pass the time when I’m looking for a distraction or just want to see what’s trending.

The only major news outlet I consistently go to for updates is Fox News. I believe the news and discussions on this platform align with the type of information I care about, particularly in the realm of politics. Being an Apple iPhone user, I take advantage of the News app’s feature that allows me to flag certain pages and receive notifications for new stories and alerts. This feature is particularly convenient allowing me to stay constantly updated without having to actively search for news; instead, the news comes to me. Fox News covers typical topics including sports, politics, entertainment, and more. However, I mainly use Fox for their political coverage because of their Conservative viewpoint, which resonates with my interests and perspective. 
As I get closer to entering the workforce, LinkedIn has become an essential tool for me. The platform has multiple purposes, offering opportunities for networking, professional development, and staying informed about industry trends. I primarily use LinkedIn to connect with professionals in my field, search for internships, and explore potential job opportunities. It’s also a great way to maintain relationships with peers and stay updated on what’s happening within companies I’m interested in. LinkedIn’s emphasis on professional networking is helping me build a strong professional presence and stay informed about the latest developments in my industry.

5. Word of Mouth

Another valuable source of information for me is word of mouth. This could come from family, friends, professors, or even strangers I encounter. In my experience, word of mouth isn't always the most reliable way to learn about new topics, events, or opportunities. Growing up in a household with strong opinions, I wasn't always exposed to a wide range of perspectives but was encouraged to think critically about the information I received. While I appreciate hearing different viewpoints and discussing them with others, I remain confident in my ability to form my own opinions. I often use word of mouth as a starting point, then turn to other platforms to gain a fuller understanding of the topic.


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