The "fake news" epidemic is pounding on our back door. And it's dividing the United States of America in ways that could make or break the future of this country.

 

Although it's not a new concept, the spread of misinformation has intensified due to the rise of the Internet and use of social media platforms. Some organizations are working toward fixing the problem with algorithms and technology, but until there is a solid solution, education is the answer.

 

Media literacy is taught in some school districts but should be widely accepted into all curriculums. Students don't know the difference between real and fake news. They must be taught to be media literate so this problem doesn't continue or worsen.

 

Because the credibility of the media is in question, news mediums should also refocus on important issues and remain as objective as possible. In an increasingly skeptical world, they must ease readers' minds with impartiality, fact-checking and the ability to immediately admit to mistakes.

 

Social media platforms have also attempted to get rid of "fake news" with algorithms, indicators, and human intervention. And none of these efforts lack criticism.

 

However, the responsibility doesn't solely fall on the media. It falls on the educated reader. It falls on you to take a step further and do your research.

 

It also falls on you to not believe everything you hear. Challenge your family and friends on their facts, ask their sources, and maybe urge them to take a second look at the website from which they're receiving the information.

 

To answer my previous question: why are we so concerned with "fake news?"

 

Because even though it seems bad right now, it could become so much worse. "Freedom of the press" was included in the first amendment to give the United States public a transparent window into what was going on in the world. A separate entity from the government and an outlet citizens could trust.

 

But with so many ties to political parties or company affiliations, the media has neglected to realize people only want the facts. They don't give a shit about what the journalists' opinion is, ESPECIALLY when it doesn't align with their own ideologies.

 

And to you as a reader or viewer, take responsibility into your own hands. Step outside your echochambers of political memes, Facebook pages, and discussion groups with friends who all have the same opinion as you.

 

Listen to people with different ideologies, beliefs, and political affiliations. Listen to Fox News, CNN, BBC, Al Jazeera and read the New York Times, the Financial Times, BuzzFeed.

 

Recognize the world around you is the way it is, and it won't change unless you make it happen. And when you do speak up, be cognizant of the fact that you're going to have critics and you're going to need the facts to back your statements up.

 

Stay media literate. You could learn something.