How to Spot
Sensationalism
in media:

By adopting these strategies, individuals can navigate the media landscape more effectively, maintain a balanced perspective, and cultivate greater empathy and connection with others.

What :

How :

Emotional Laguage

Look for exaggerated language designed to provoke strong emotions like fear, outrage, or panic. Sensationalized headlines often use hyperbole or dramatic wording.

Lack of Sources

Reliable news stories typically include quotes, data, or information from credible sources. If a story lacks these details or relies heavily on unnamed sources, it may be sensationalized.

Confirmation Bias

Be wary of news stories that only present one side of an issue or selectively use facts to support a particular narrative. Balanced reporting considers multiple perspectives and provides context.

Misleading Statistics

Check the accuracy of statistics and data presented in news stories. Sensationalized reporting may use statistics out of context or cherry-pick data to support a predetermined conclusion.

Misleading Statistics

Headlines designed to grab attention with shocking or sensational claims often indicate that the story may be exaggerated or misleading. Be skeptical of headlines that seem too good (or bad) to be true.

Fear Appeals

Be cautious of stories that rely heavily on fear to capture attention. Fear-mongering tactics may include exaggerating the risks of a particular situation without providing evidence-based solutions or context.

Overuse of Breaking News Alerts

While breaking news alerts can be useful for important events, they are sometimes overused to create a sense of urgency or panic. Evaluate whether the story truly warrants an immediate alert or if it could have been reported in a less sensationalized manner.

Sensational Imagery

Pay attention to the images or videos accompanying news stories. Sensationalized media often use dramatic or graphic visuals to evoke an emotional response without providing necessary context.

Lack of Fact-Checking

Reliable news outlets prioritize fact-checking and verification to ensure the accuracy of their reporting. If a story contains factual errors or inconsistencies, it may be a sign of sensationalism or sloppy journalism.

Absence of Solutions

Sensationalized news stories may focus solely on highlighting problems or dangers without offering constructive solutions or ways to address the issues at hand. Look for stories that provide balanced coverage and explore potential solutions to complex problems.

And this doesn’t mean don’t engage, it just means understand what your seeing.
It means spotting propaganda right off the bat. We’re going to see more.

©FACE/FACTS

How can communication design educate and elucidate active social media users on the lasting effects of violent desensitisation?