NEWS CONSUMPTION

Jun 28 2025EDUCATION

Social Media News: A Surprising Boost for Knowledge and Trust

In a world where social media is often blamed for spreading misinformation, a recent study reveals a surprising twist. It turns out that following news accounts on platforms like Instagram and WhatsApp can actually make people more informed and improve their ability to spot false information. The study involved over 3, 000 participants in France and Germany. They we...

reading time about 1 minute
Mar 03 2025SCIENCE

What Shapes Our Views on Hot-Button Science Topics?

Have you ever wondered why some people strongly believe in science norms while others don't? This is especially true when it comes to hot-button science topics like COVID-19 or climate change. These topics often spark heated debates, not just among scientists, but also among regular folks. But what influences how non-scientists view these controversial fields? ...

reading time about 2 minutes
Dec 02 2024TECHNOLOGY

Watch Out: YouTube Algorithms Control What You See

You know how YouTube suggests videos? The smart algorithms behind them can make things feel repetitive, showing you similar stuff over and over. Scientists tested a method to change this, using fake accounts and real users over a month. They played news clips from balanced sources in the background. Surprisingly, this made users watch more news and see less biased r...

reading time less than a minute
Nov 18 2024POLITICS

Social Media Stars: News Sources of the 21st Century

Ever wondered who’s shaping the news landscape in America? It turns out, nearly one in five Americans get their news from social media stars. A new study by Pew Research Center reveals that these digital influencers, often found on platforms like X, are a significant source of information, especially for young adults, racial minorities, and those with lower incomes. ...

reading time less than a minute