Key Takeaways:

• Media confidence is at a record low. A new Gallup poll shares that confidence in the media to report the news “fully, accurately and fairly,” is shared by only 31% of Americans. The vast majority of people do not feel they can trust legacy news sources for fair or unbalanced  information, particularly in an election cycle.
• The best news apps for staying informed with unbiased information include Apple News, Feedly, and Flipboard. Keep reading to see more of our favorite apps and how they help you to stay informed.
• Critical thinking in media consumption has never been more important. Start by using a fact-checker, cross-referencing sources, and finding original works. We list some specific resources to help you do those things in the article.
• Election coverage is often designed to make you emotional. Skip the grifting and the click-baiting and stick to objective sources like Politico, FiveThirtyEight, and Real Clear Politics.
• We find Twitter, Reddit, and Quora to be great resources for discussing current events outside of an echo chamber. There, you can engage with like-minded people or seek out differing opinions, which can strengthen and enhance your positions.

One could argue that it’s never been more important to be educated and informed on what’s happening around us. And yet, with our current media landscape, it’s becoming harder to obtain that key information - and even harder to trust the information that we do find. What’s going on? And what can we do about it?

News shapes opinions, influences decisions, and impacts our society in so many ways, big and small. Understanding the current political and social climate is crucial for every citizen, and yet that’s not an easy thing to do. In this article, we’re exploring how to take control of your news consumption to ensure you’re well-informed and engaged in the world around you. We’ll also share the best news applications and other tools that can make your ongoing education more efficient.

The Importance of Staying Informed

Do you ever meet people who tell you they simply don’t watch the news? They might say “It’s depressing,” or “I’m not a political person, so it doesn’t really matter to me.” That’s unfortunate because the news actually plays a pivotal role in society. By providing insights into local, national, and global events, the media informs citizens about pressing issues from health crises to climate change - and almost everything in between. Furthermore, the media influences public opinion, which has a direct impact on our everyday lives, from policies that affect how products are sold to social justice reform and beyond.

As an informed citizen, you have the power to participate in democracy in a tangible way. You can advocate for what matters to you, put your beliefs into action, and hold the leaders of our country and institutions accountable. When you’re not informed, it becomes difficult to do that. Not only can you not engage in important conversations, you can’t make informed decisions - and you can’t enact lasting change for yourself or the people in your community.

This is particularly true during a presidential campaign or an election cycle. Elections determine so much more than who the next president will be. They affect local government from your legislators down to your school board, and those are the people who decide what your property taxes will be, how many firefighters and libraries will be in your town, crime policies, and what your children will learn. Opting out of being informed on these processes means you’re opting out of having some control over your own world.

The Digital Shift in News Consumption

The advent of technology has dramatically transformed how we access information. Gone are the days of relying solely on newspapers and television; today, a wealth of information is available at our fingertips. News apps have emerged as primary sources of information, allowing users to customize their news feeds, receive alerts, and stay updated in real-time. This digital shift has made it easier than ever to consume news in a way that fits our lifestyles.

Furthermore, the lines between journalism and entertainment have blurred. There is a massive gray area of the media - especially on channels like cable news, podcasts, and social media - where people who have no credible training in journalism share their opinion, which is often presented as fact. Unfortunately, many people make a great living from sharing biased and intentionally inflammatory information - which some take as “news”. Everyone from social media influencers to bloggers have a platform for sharing information - and most of it is not factually objective. Plenty of research shows that Gen Z, in particular, are more likely to listen to influencers than even classically-trained pundits.

Complicating matters further is the rise of “click-bait” - where platforms use inflammatory language to ramp up engagement (good or bad). Doom scrolling is another trend that advertisers know how to take advantage of. What’s worse, is that we are all so used to it that we don’t always stop to think critically and evaluate news sources. Many people are prone to echo chambers where they only consume information - and opinions - that confirms their own bias. One study showed that more than two-thirds of people are likely to share information with people who hold views similar to their own. In a way, we are doing that every time we consume media from our chosen sources.

All of these factors have culminated in an environment where the term “news” might be used lightly, and critical thinking becomes more essential than ever. Carefully curating news sources, understanding objectivity and our own confirmation bias, and the ability to think critically should be at the forefront for anyone who wants to interpret the world around them in a realistic way.

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Top News Apps to Keep You Updated

So what’s a person to do in such a vast sea of information? As mentioned, curating your news source is critical. It’s essential to look outside of your “bubble” and find news sources that report the facts, objectively, with an unbiased view from trained journalists. And truthfully, that’s not always easy.

We suggest starting with some of the best news applications:

• Apple News - This app offers personalized news feeds from trusted sources, allowing you to curate content based on your interests. Many users enjoy listening to the audio version of the stories provided.

• Google News - With comprehensive coverage and diverse perspectives, Google News aggregates articles from various sources, ensuring you receive a well-rounded view of current events. It relies on the trusted Google algorithm and personal user data to deliver articles to you.

• Flipboard - Create your own digital magazine by curating articles on topics you love, making it a visually engaging way to stay informed. Many of the stories are accompanied by high-quality visuals like pictures, infographics, or videos.

• BBC News - Known for its international coverage and in-depth analysis, BBC News provides a global perspective on current events, ensuring you are aware of what's happening beyond your local news. BBC is known for traditional, unbiased journalism from around the world.

• Feedly - This app provides updates from various publications like YouTube channels, blogs, and other sources using a simple RSS feed. You can personalize your feed to receive information on the topics that interest you most, or you can use the “Discover” tab to find trending news and topics.

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Engaging with Election Coverage

Staying informed during election season is vital, but it’s increasingly complex to do so. Depending who you ask, it may not be as simple as just flipping on the news station you grew up with.  Here are some resources to help you engage with political news effectively:

• Politico - Get real-time updates on political news and election results, making it easier to follow the latest developments.

• FiveThirtyEight - Known for its data-driven insights, FiveThirtyEight offers in-depth analysis of polls and forecasts, helping you understand the electoral landscape.

• Election Tracker Apps - These interactive apps provide maps and live result tracking, allowing you to follow elections in real-time. Some of them have “election calculators” where you can play with state elector numbers to view various outcomes.

• Real Clear Politics Podcast - Tune in for discussions on political trends and insights, enhancing your understanding of the electoral process. Produced by long-standing legacy journalists, they take a balanced and ideology-free view of the issues of the day (vs. many podcasters whose goal is to rile up a political base).

• Guides.vote - Designed to give nonpartisan voters information to vote with confidence, this site produces voters’ guides with links to credible sources. That being said, much of the information is pulled from various national journalism sources, so a slant toward one candidate can commonly be found.

These tools can deepen your understanding of elections, empowering you to make informed decisions at the polls.

Interactive Platforms for Discussion

Engaging with others can enhance your news experience, and some people find doing so downright addictive! If you want to deepen your knowledge of current events, ask questions, or just hear a justification for an opposing opinion, consider logging into one of these platforms.

• X (Formerly Twitter) - Follow journalists, politicians, and live event updates to stay connected with real-time news and discussions. There is one caveat: much of what ends up posted to Twitter is designed to increase engagement, so be wary of “click-bait”.

• Reddit - Join communities that focus on specific news topics or events, allowing for robust discussions and diverse opinions. You can join a subreddit for your particular political leaning (Liberal, Independent or Conservative), or you can participate in state or city subreddits where things like local government or ordinances are discussed.

• Quora - Use this platform to ask questions and get answers from experts and enthusiasts, fostering a deeper understanding of complex issues.

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Tips for Effective News Consumption

To get the most out of your news consumption, follow these tips:

• Set Up Personalized Alerts - Customize notifications for breaking news or topics of interest to stay ahead of the curve.

• Balance Different News Sources - Engage with a variety of outlets to gain a well-rounded perspective, avoiding echo chambers.

• Time Management - Dedicate specific time slots for news consumption to avoid feeling overwhelmed and ensure you stay informed without burnout.

• Incorporate into Online Life - If you use Shift, you can customize your Workspace to have access to key platforms when you want them. For example, you can add a news app to the Workspace you use for your morning routine. That way, you can catch up on the latest headlines after you browse email. Similarly, if you want to limit distractions from discussion threads, you can aggregate notifications and then customize them so you’re not interrupted during work with potential rabbit-holes.

Staying Critical and Informed

In an age of misinformation, critical thinking is essential. Here are some strategies to enhance your news consumption when using the best news apps:

• Fact-Check Information - Use reliable fact-checking resources to verify claims and ensure accuracy. Websites like Snopes and Politifact specialize in investigating claims made in news stories. Although not a perfect resource, they can be a good start in tracking down accurate information.
  • Cross-Reference Sources - When you come across a piece of news that seems questionable (or too good to be true), cross-reference it with multiple reputable news outlets. Ideally you can find the same story in multiple outlets.
  • Look for Original Sources - You should also look for the source material whenever possible. For example, if someone is reporting study findings, try to track down the actual study so you can read the methodology - and not just hear whatever the reporter wanted to convey about the study. Studies, reports, and expert opinions are often presented out of context, so finding the original work is key. This is also true of quotations that are taken out of context - see if you can find a lengthier clip of the speaker.
• Spotting Misinformation - Be vigilant about sensational headlines and check the context of stories before sharing them. Remember, many platforms make their money by enticing you to click through emotion, anger, etc.

Informed citizenship is a privilege that many in the world do not enjoy. Taking control of your news consumption is vital for informed citizenship. By utilizing technology, engaging with diverse perspectives, and staying critical of the information you encounter, you can navigate the complex world of news with confidence. Stay engaged, stay informed, and make your voice heard.

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