1. Selective Exposure
News Literacy

2. What is selective exposure?
The idea that we look for information that confirms or supports the ideas we already hold dear in our own minds
It also means we tend to avoid information that conflicts with our already-held beliefs

3. For example:
If you believe that global warming is really happening, you might consciously or subconsciously look for media reports that confirm your belief instead of looking for a wide range of perspectives.

4. How do we know this happens?
Media researchers have done studies to first figure out what people believe, and then to track the information they seek out.
They found that as a whole, we generally feel like the media tends to be against whatever causes we believe in, so we look for information that confirms our thoughts.

5. Do you think this is true?
Think about the kind of information you look for or the stories you read in the media.
Do they tend to reinforce what you already think about a topic? Or do you purposefully look for information that contradicts your own beliefs?

6. Why might this be a problem?
If our goal in this class is to be well- rounded, news literate citizens, why might this be a problem?
What are some negative effects of this idea?
STOP HERE and ask these questions. Possible responses: We don’t get all the information that’s out there, we aren’t open-minded to new ideas, it might further polarize debates on really contentious topics like gun control or global warming because when we all selectively expose ourselves to only our own ideas, it makes it seem like there isn’t a middle ground on the subject,

7. Remember our news literacy basics?
“It’s important to be aware of one’s own biases and assumptions and seek reliable information that challenges one’s own views.”