Begin the discussion by responding to the following prompt: If you know anything about the Titanic, you know it hit an iceberg and sank three hours later. For nearly 24 hours, the world knew only that it was a ship in distress. Most newspapers reported everyone was safe, when in fact, 1,517 passengers and crew perished. Many blamed the new wireless technology, but others thought reporters had fallen for the White Star hype about their “unsinkable” ship. Analyze the media bias you see in the 1912 article about the Titanic. Discuss the possible reasons that led reporters to believe the White Star hype. Then consider how hype or propaganda may bias reporting today. Give examples if you can.
Dont make long, make into a paragraph or two.
The media bias seen in the 1912 article about the Titanic can be attributed to several factors. Firstly, the article's focus on the initial reports of everyone being safe suggests a tendency towards sensationalism and a desire to instill hope among readers. This bias could be rooted in journalists' desire to showcase their reporting skills and gather a larger reader base, giving them an incentive to downplay the severity of the situation. Additionally, the era's limited communication capabilities and reliance on official sources likely contributed to the dissemination of inaccurate information. Reporters may have been genuinely unaware of the true extent of the tragedy due to the lack of real-time updates.
The belief in the White Star hype about the "unsinkable" ship can be attributed to various reasons. Firstly, the advancements in technology at that time, such as the newly developed wireless system, had created a sense of confidence in the ship's safety. The reliance on technological advancements possibly led reporters to believe that the ship could withstand any potential dangers. Additionally, the reputation of the White Star Line as a reputable and distinguished company may have influenced reporters to echo the company's claims, assuming that they must have thoroughly tested and verified the ship's capabilities.
Today, hype and propaganda continue to bias reporting. In the era of clickbait and 24-hour news cycles, media outlets often sensationalize stories to attract more viewers or readers. The pressure to engage audiences and generate revenue can lead to biased storytelling, where exaggeration or selective presentation of facts occurs to create a certain narrative. For example, during political campaigns, media outlets may slant their coverage to promote a particular candidate or agenda, disregarding opposing viewpoints. Additionally, the rise of social media has made it easier for misinformation and propaganda to spread rapidly, further biasing reporting and shaping public opinion.
One recent example of media bias is the coverage of the COVID-19 pandemic. Some news outlets have been known to emphasize the negative aspects of the situation excessively, leading to fear and panic among the public. On the other hand, certain outlets may downplay the severity of the virus or spread misinformation, risking public health. These examples highlight the need for media literacy and critical thinking skills to decipher the biases and agendas behind the reporting we consume.