How to choose your news - Damon Brown

So-called “citizen journalism” has exploded as smartphones, glasses-based cameras, and other tools make it easier for average people to report breaking news. What are some of the positives and negatives with citizen journalism?

There are billions of outlets, but most people only rely on a few for their information. Which places do you go first when you want more information on breaking news? Which outlets do you trust the least?

On a scale of 1 to 10, how much do you trust mainstream news media? Are you more likely to trust an alternative outlet, like a reliable social media post or a satirical news program? Why or why not?

What is the name of the people who used to determine what news was fit to print or play?

• Peacekeepers

• Watchdogs

• Gatekeepers

• Producers

Answer explanation

Which isn’t a word that shows the outlet isn’t completely sure about a particular statement?

• Likely

• Certainly

• Expected

• Possibly

When are the best times to check in on ongoing breaking news?

• Every five minutes

• As quickly as your browser can refresh

• The first five minutes, then in wider gaps to allow more details to develop

• Don’t check in at all

How reliable are anonymous sources?

• You never know

• Very reliable

• Not reliable at all

• Depends on the story

How can you verify a story before you share it on social media?

• There’s no way to verify – just share the story anyway

• See how many times other people online have shared the story

• Check to see if your friends are saying the same thing

• Do a search to see if multiple outlets you trust are also covering the same story