Filter Bubbles

The term filter bubbles was coined by Eli Pariser to describe how the internet tailors our experience to consist of information and opinions that the viewer already believes in. I did my own exploring into what media I have been consuming to explore this idea. I am not someone that typically subscribes to specific sources or follows specific media accounts for information, and this is because of teaching current events. When teaching this class, I prioritized finding reliable information from several different sources, instead of using the same few. I often used this chart from Ad Fontes Media to help me determine the reliability of sources.

Media Bias Chart v. 1.0 – 11.0

There is one media source that I do enjoy: the Washington Post’s Tiktok account. That is the only news source that I subscribe to, and I enjoy it because they are quick, fairly unbiased skits that describe the biggest events going on. If I end up interested in the topic, I go looking for more information. 

This got me thinking though. While I don’t follow many resources, I still interact with posts, so what information is Google hiding from me when I do look things up? I decided to look into sources that post information that differ from my current beliefs. One source that I found is the Fordham Institute. They publish articles focusing on educational issues, and it supports charter schools. I am conflicted about charter schools, so I read a few of their articles. The articles gave some good facts and analysis that made me think more about the schools.

Filter bubbles can affect everyone, so it is important to look critically at the information you receive and viewpoints you may be missing out on and do your best to fill those gaps.

References:

Buck, D. (2024, March 7). The research is clear: Charter schools work. Thomas B. Fordham Institute. https://fordhaminstitute.org/national/commentary/research-clear-charter-schools-work.

Media Bias Chart v. 1.0 – 11.0. Ad Fontes Media. https://adfontesmedia.com/gallery/.