# data[].attributes.body
https://www.verywellmind.com/cognitive-biases-distort-thinking-2794763

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Although people like to believe that they are rational and logical, the fact is that we are continually under the influence of cognitive biases. These biases distort thinking, influence beliefs, and sway the decisions and judgments that people make each and every day.

Sometimes, cognitive biases are fairly obvious. You might even find that you recognize these tendencies in yourself or others. In other cases, these biases are so subtle that they are almost impossible to notice.

Why Cognitive Biases Happen

Attention is a limited resource. This means we can't possibly evaluate every possible detail and event ​when forming thoughts and opinions. Because of this, we often rely on mental shortcuts that speed up our ability to make judgments but sometimes lead to bias.

Types of Cognitive Biases

The following are just a few types of cognitive biases that have a powerful influence on how you think, how you feel, and how you behave.

The Confirmation Bias

The confirmation bias is the tendency to listen more often to information that confirms our existing beliefs. Through this bias, people tend to favor information that reinforces the things they already think or believe.

Examples include:

Only paying attention to information that confirms your beliefs about issues such as gun control and global warming

Only following people on social media who share your viewpoints

Choosing news sources that present stories that support your views

Refusing to listen to the opposing side

Not considering all of the facts in a logical and rational manner

There are a few reasons why this happens. One is that only seeking to confirm existing opinions helps limit mental resources we need to use to make decisions. It also helps protect self-esteem by making people feel that their beliefs are accurate.

People on two sides of an issue can listen to the same story and walk away with different interpretations that they feel validates their existing point of view. This is often indicative that the confirmation bias is working to "bias" their opinions.

The problem with this is that it can lead to poor choices, an inability to listen to opposing views, or even contribute to othering people who hold different opinions.

The Hindsight Bias

The hindsight bias is a common cognitive bias that involves the tendency to see events, even random ones, as more predictable than they are. It's also commonly referred to as the "I knew it all along" phenomenon.

Some examples of the hindsight bias include:

Insisting that you knew who was going to win a football game once the event is over

Believing that you knew all along that one political candidate was going to win an election

Saying that you knew you weren't going to win after losing a coin flip with a friend

Looking back on an exam and thinking that you knew the answers to the questions you missed

Believing you could have predicted which stocks would become profitable

Classic Research

In one classic psychology experiment, college students were asked to predict whether they thought then-nominee Clarence Thomas would be confirmed to the U.S. Supreme Court.

Prior to the Senate vote, 58% of the students thought Thomas would be confirmed. The students were polled again following Thomas's confirmation, and a whopping 78% of students said they had believed Thomas would be confirmed.﻿﻿﻿

The hindsight bias occurs for a combination of reasons, including our ability to "misremember" previous predictions, our tendency to view events as inevitable, and our tendency to believe we could have foreseen certain events.

The effect of this bias is that it causes us to overestimate our ability to predict events. This can sometimes lead people to take unwise risks.

The Anchoring Bias

The anchoring bias is the tendency to be overly influenced by the first piece of information that we hear. Some examples of how this works:

The first number voiced during a price negotiation typically becomes the anchoring point from which all further negotiations are based.

Hearing a random number can influence estimates on completely unrelated topics.

Doctors can become susceptible to the anchoring bias when diagnosing patients. The physician's first impressions of the patient often create an anchoring point that can sometimes incorrectly influence all subsequent diagnostic assessments.

While the existence of the anchoring bias is well documented, its causes are still not fully understood. Some research suggests that the source of the anchor information may play a role. Other factors such as priming and mood also appear to have an influence.

Like other cognitive biases, anchoring can have an effect on the decisions you make each day. For instance, it can influence how much you are willing to pay for your home. However, it can sometimes lead to poor choices and make it more difficult for people to consider other factors that might also be important.

The Misinformation Effect

The misinformation effect is the tendency for memories to be heavily influenced by things that happened after the actual event itself. A person who witnesses a car accident or crime might believe that their recollection is crystal clear, but researchers have found that memory is surprisingly susceptible to even very subtle influences.

For example:

Research has shown that simply asking questions about an event can change someone's memories of what happened.

Watching television coverage may change how people remember the event.

Hearing other people talk about a memory from their perspective may change your memory of what transpired.

Classic Memory Research

In one classic experiment by memory expert Elizabeth Loftus, people who watched a video of a car crash were then asked one of two slightly different questions: "How fast were the cars going when they hit each other?" or "How fast were the cars going when they smashed into each other?"﻿﻿

When the witnesses were then questioned a week later whether they had seen any broken glass, those who had been asked the "smashed into" version of the question were more likely to report incorrectly that they had seen broken glass.

There are a few factors that may play a role in this phenomenon. New information may get blended with older memories.﻿﻿ In other cases, new information may be used to fill in "gaps" in memory.

The effects of misinformation can range from the trivial to much more serious. It might cause you to misremember something you thought happened at work, or it might lead to someone incorrectly identifying the wrong suspect in a criminal case.

The Actor-Observer Bias

The actor-observer bias is the tendency to attribute our actions to external influences and other people's actions to internal ones. The way we perceive others and how we attribute their actions hinges on a variety of variables, but it can be heavily influenced by whether we are the actor or the observer in a situation.

When it comes to our own actions, we are often far too likely to attribute things to external influences. For example:

You might complain that you botched an important meeting because you had jet lag.

You might say you failed an exam because the teacher posed too many trick questions.

When it comes to explaining other people's actions, however, we are far more likely to attribute their behaviors to internal causes. For example:

A colleague screwed up an important presentation because he's lazy and incompetent (not because he also had jet lag).

A fellow student bombed a test because they lack diligence and intelligence (and not because they took the same test as you with all those trick questions).

While there are many factors that may play a role, perspective plays a key role. When we are the actors in a situation, we are able to observe our own thoughts and behaviors. When it comes to other people, however, we cannot see what they are thinking. This means we focus on situational forces for ourselves, but guess at the internal characteristics that cause other people's actions.

The problem with this is that it often leads to misunderstandings. Each side of a situation is essentially blaming the other side rather than thinking about all of the variables that might be playing a role.

The False Consensus Effect

The false consensus effect is the tendency people have to overestimate how much other people agree with their own beliefs, behaviors, attitudes, and values. For example:

Thinking that other people share your opinion on controversial topics

Overestimating the number of people who are similar to you

Believing that the majority of people share your preferences

Researchers believe that the false consensus effect happens for a variety of reasons. First, the people we spend the most time with, our family and friends, do often tend to share very similar opinions and beliefs. Because of this, we start to think that this way of thinking is the majority opinion even when we are with people who are not among our group of family and friends.

Another key reason this cognitive bias trips us up so easily is that believing that other people are just like us is good for our self-esteem. It allows us to feel "normal" and maintain a positive view of ourselves in relation to other people.

This can lead people not only to incorrectly think that everyone else agrees with them-it can sometimes lead them to overvalue their own opinions. It also means that we sometimes don't consider how other people might feel when making choices.

The Halo Effect

The halo effect is the tendency for an initial impression of a person to influence what we think of them overall. Also known as the "physical attractiveness stereotype" or the "what is beautiful is 'good' principle" we are either influenced by or use the halo to influence others almost every day. For example:

Thinking people who are good-looking are also smarter, kinder, and funnier than less attractive people

Believing that products marketed by attractive people are also more valuable

Thinking that a political candidate who is confident must also be intelligent and competent

One factor that may influence the halo effect is our tendency to want to be correct. If our initial impression of someone was positive, we want to look for proof that our assessment was accurate. It also helps people avoid experiencing cognitive dissonance, which involves holding contradictory beliefs.

This cognitive bias can have a powerful impact in the real world. For example, job applicants perceived as attractive and likable are also more likely to be viewed as competent, smart, and qualified for the job.

The Self-Serving Bias

The self-serving bias is a tendency for people tend to give themselves credit for successes but lay the blame for failures on outside causes. When you do well on a project, you probably assume that it's because you worked hard. But when things turn out badly, you are more likely to blame it on circumstances or bad luck.

Some examples of this:

Attributing good grades to being smart or studying hard

Believing your athletic performance is due to practice and hard work

Thinking you got the job because of your merits

The self-serving bias can be influenced by a variety of factors. Age and sex have been shown to play a part. Older people are more likely to take credit for their successes, while men are more likely to pin their failures on outside forces.﻿﻿

This bias does serve an important role in protecting self-esteem. However, it can often also lead to faulty attributions such as blaming others for our own shortcomings.

The Availability Heuristic

The availability heuristic is the tendency to estimate the probability of something happening based on how many examples readily come to mind. Some examples of this:

After seeing several news reports of car thefts in your neighborhood, you might start to believe that such crimes are more common than they are.

You might believe that plane crashes are more common than they really are because you can easily think of several examples.

It is essentially a mental shortcut designed to save us time when we are trying to determine risk. The problem with relying on this way of thinking is that it often leads to poor estimates and bad decisions.

Smokers who have never known someone to die of a smoking-related illness, for example, might underestimate the health risks of smoking. In contrast, if you have two sisters and five neighbors who have had breast cancer, you might believe it is even more common than statistics suggest.

The Optimism Bias

The optimism bias is a tendency to overestimate the likelihood that good things will happen to us while underestimating the probability that negative events will impact our lives. Essentially, we tend to be too optimistic for our own good.

For example, we may assume that negative events won't affect us such as:

The optimism bias has roots in the availability heuristic. Because you can probably think of examples of bad things happening to other people it seems more likely that others will be affected by negative events.

This bias can lead people to take health risks like smoking, eating poorly, or not wearing a seat belt. The bad news is that research has found that this optimism bias is incredibly difficult to reduce.

There is good news, however. This tendency toward optimism helps create a sense of anticipation for the future, giving people the hope and motivation they need to pursue their goals.

Other Kinds of Cognitive Bias

Many other cognitive biases can distort how we perceive the world. Just a partial list:

Status quo bias reflects a desire to keep things as they are.

Apophenia is the tendency to perceive patterns in random occurrences.

Framing is presenting a situation in a way that gives a certain impression.

A Word From Verywell

The cognitive biases above are common, but this is only a sampling of the many biases that can affect your thinking. These biases collectively influence much of our thoughts and ultimately, decision making.

Many of these biases are inevitable. We simply don't have the time to evaluate every thought in every decision for the presence of any bias. Understanding these biases is very helpful in learning how they can lead us to poor decisions in life.

Verywell Mind uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.

Additional Reading

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Types of Cognitive Biases That Distort How You Think

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Cognitive biases can impair rational judgment, lead to poor decisions, and cause us to believe falsehoods. Learn more about common biases that sway your thinking.

# data[].attributes.body
https://www.mindtools.com/abtmh5z/seven-ways-to-find-what-you-want-on-the-internet

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Bing, however, has more extensive autocomplete results (where the search engine tries to narrow the search for you).

Yahoo offers search as part of a wider range of services that includes news and shopping. Other engines such as DuckDuckGo, Ecosia, and Dogpile also have their devotees.

2. Use Specific Keywords

Keywords are the terms that you use to find content on the internet. Making your keywords as specific as possible will help your search engine to track down the information that you want.

Say, for example, that you want to find a local supplier that can design an exhibition stand for your company. If you type stand design into your search engine, the results will include many pages about other types of stand, whereas typing exhibition stand designer will return a more concise range of companies.

You can further refine your search by including other specific keywords. If you add your location, for example, you'll likely find someone local.

3. Simplify Your Search Terms

Some engines include stop words in their searches. These are frequently used words such as prepositions (in, of, on), conjunctions (and, but) and articles (a, the), which mean that you'll end up with more pages in your search results than you need.

So, it's usually best to eliminate stop words from your internet searches. The main exception is if you're looking for a specific title or name that includes them.

Also, use the simplest form of the keywords that you're looking for, by avoiding plurals and verb forms with suffixes such as -ing, -s or -ed. For example, you would improve the quality of your search results by searching for service rather than services, or finance rather than financed or financing.

4. Use Quotation Marks

Enclosing a search term within quotation marks prompts the search engine to search for that specific word or phrase.

If the term is a single word, using quotation marks will cut out stemmed variations of it. For example, if you search for the word director, you'll likely receive a lot of results for direct, direction, directions, and so on, too. Typing "director" (with quotation marks), however, will ensure that you only get results for that stem word.

If the search term is a phrase, your search will be for that specific phrase, rather than for all the component words as individual items. So, for example, if you search for the phrase director of human resources, without quotation marks, your search will return results based on all of the words in the phrase (except "of," which is a stop word.) Surrounding the term with quotation marks, however, will generate results that feature this specific term.

5. Remove Unhelpful Words

Inserting a hyphen/small dash/minus sign immediately before a word excludes it from a search.

So imagine, for example, that you're looking to find out more about marketing. However, you want to concentrate on traditional marketing techniques, whereas the internet appears to be full of references to digital and social media marketing, all of which are appearing in your search.

Typing in marketing -digital will exclude digital from the search, making it easier for you to find the information you're looking for. Typing marketing -digital -social would allow you to get rid of even more clutter.

6. Refine Your Search Using Operators

Other characters or terms, known as operators, allow you to narrow down your internet search in more targeted ways. We explore a few, below:

Wildcard Searches: use the * symbol as a placeholder for another word. For example, searching for * man in the world returns results for the richest man in the world, the tallest, the oldest, and so on. Wildcard searches are also useful when, for example, you don't know the full text of a quote.

Combination Searches: the OR operator enables you to search for two or more terms simultaneously, and is most useful when those terms are very similar. Typing selling OR retailing, for example, will return pages where either of the terms is used, without both needing to be present. Another way to combine searches is to use AND. This operator ensures that you receive only search results that include two or more terms. For example, the search"Smee Computers" AND "Devlin Corporation" would only deliver search results that include the names of both companies.

Search a Specific Site: when you type site: followed by the URL of the website that you wish to search and a search term, you limit your search to a single website. So, site:mindtools.com "human resources" will return all the pages from MindTools.com that feature the term "human resources."

Finding Related Sites: another useful operator is related: Typing this in front of a web address that you already know - as in related:xyz.com - your search results will deliver a range of websites that are similar to xyz.com.

7. Avoid Search Pitfalls

When searching online, it's important to bear in mind that many companies now have staff who are dedicated to improving their visibility online. They constantly tweak the wording of their websites to match the most commonly used keywords - a process known as Search Engine Optimization (SEO).

As a result, the sites listed at the top of your search results may have very good SEO, but it doesn't necessarily follow that they'll have the best content. So, even when you've put in the best search terms you can, it's often worth digging down through your search results to find the best information.

With so much information now at your disposal, you need to be savvy about what is authoritative, and what is merely opinionated. Some blogs, for example, rank highly without actually being written by accredited experts. So, check carefully that the author of any information you use is well-regarded, and preferably associated with an academic institution, a professional body, or a reputable news organization.

It's also worth being aware of paid advertisements, which can appear at the top of search engine listings because companies have paid for them to do so. These are simply designed to sell to you, which is fine if you're looking to buy, but can be a hindrance to general search.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Seven Ways to Find What You Want on the Internet - Gathering What You Need, Discarding What You Don't

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Discover the secrets of searching the internet efficiently and effectively, and pinpoint exactly what you're looking for the first time.

# data[].attributes.body
https://static.googleusercontent.com/media/www.google.com/en//pdf/GoogleSearchGuide-front.pdf

# data[].attributes.body
https://helpfulprofessor.com/media-bias-examples-for-students/

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Media bias examples include ideological bias, gotcha journalism, negativity bias, and sensationalism. Real-life situations when they occur include when ski resorts spin snow reports to make them sound better, and when cable news shows like Fox and MSNBC overtly prefer one political party over another (republican and democrat, respectively).
No one is free of all bias. No one is perfectly objective. So, every book, research paper, and article (including this one) is bound to have some form of bias.

The media is capable of employing an array of techniques to modify news stories in favor of particular interests or groups.

While bias is usually seen as a bad thing, and good media outlets try to minimize it as much as possible, at times, it can also be seen as a good thing. For example, a reporter's bias toward scholarly consensus or a local paper's bias toward reporting on events relevant to local people makes sense.

Media Bias Definition
Media bias refers to the inherently subjective processes involved in the selection and curation of information presented within media. It can lead to incorrect, inaccurate, incomplete, misleading, misrepresented, or otherwise skewed reporting.
Media bias cannot be fully eliminated. This is because media neutrality has practical limitations, such as the near impossibility of reporting every single available story and fact, the requirement that selected facts must form a coherent narrative, and so on (Newton, 1996).

Types of Media Bias

In a broad sense, there are two main types of media bias.

1. Ideological bias reflects a news outlet's desire to move the opinions of readers in a particular direction.

2. Spin bias reflects a news outlet's attempt to create a memorable story (Mullainathan & Shleifer, 2002).

These two main types can be divided into many subcategories. The following list offers a more specific classification of different types of media bias:

Advertising bias occurs when stories are selected or slanted to please advertisers (Eberl et al., 2018).

Concision bias occurs when conciseness determines which stories are reported and which are ignored. News outlets often report views that can be summarized succinctly, thereby overshadowing views that are more unconventional, difficult to explain, and complex.

Confirmation bias occurs when media consumers tend to believe those stories, views, and research that confirms their current views and ignore everything else (Groseclose & Milyo, 2005).

Content bias occurs when two political parties are treated differently and news is biased towards one side (Entman, 2007).

Coverage bias occurs when the media chooses to report only negative news about one party or ideology (Eberl et al., 2017 & D'Alessio & Allen, 2000)

Decision-making bias occurs when the motivations, beliefs, and intentions of the journalists have an impact on what they write and how (Entman, 2007).

Demographic bias occurs when demographic factors, such as race, gender, social status, income, and so on are allowed to influence reporting (Ribeiro et al., 2018).

Gatekeeping bias occurs when stories are selected or dismissed on ideological grounds (D'Alessio & Allen, 2000). This is sometimes also referred to as agenda bias, selectivity bias (Hofstetter & Buss, 1978), or selection bias (Groeling, 2013). Such bias is often focused on political actors (Brandenburg, 2006).

Layout bias occurs when an article is placed in a section that is less read so that it becomes less important, or when an article is placed first so that more people read it. This can sometimes be called burying the lead.

Mainstream bias occurs when a news outlet only reports things that are safe to report and everyone else is reporting. By extension, the news outlet ignores stories and views that might offend the majority.

Partisan bias occurs when a news outlet tends to report in a way that serves a specific political party (Haselmayer et al., 2017).

Sensationalism bias occurs when the exceptional, the exciting, and the sensational are given more attention because it is rarer.

Statement bias occurs when media coverage is slanted in favor of or against specific actors or issues (D'Alessio & Allen, 2000). It is also known as tonality bias (Eberl et al., 2017) or presentation bias (Groeling, 2013).

Structural bias occurs when an actor or issue receives more or less favorable coverage as a result of newsworthiness instead of ideological decisions (Haselmayer et al., 2019 & van Dalen, 2012).

Distance bias occurs when a news agency gives more coverage to events physically closer to the news agency than elsewhere. For example, national media organizations like NBC may be unconsciously biased toward New York City news because that is where they're located.

Negativity bias occurs because negative information tends to attract more attention and is remembered for a longer time, even if it's disliked in the moment.

False balance bias occurs when a news agency attempts to appear balanced by presenting a news story as if the data is 50/50 on the topic, while the data may in fact show one perspective should objectively hold more weight. Climate change is the classic example.

Media Bias Examples

Ski resorts reporting on snowfall: Ski resorts are biased in how they spin snowfall reporting. They consistently report higher snowfall than official forecasts because they have a supply-driven interest in doing so (Raymond & Taylor, 2021).

Moral panic in the UK: Cohen (1964) famously explored UK media's sensationalist reporting about youth subcultural groups as "delinquents", causing panic among the general population that wasn't representative of the subcultural groups' true actions or impact on society.

Murdoch media in Australia: Former Prime Minister Kevin Rudd consistently reports on media bias in the Murdoch media, highlighting for example, that Murdoch's papers have endorsed the conservative side of politics (ironically called the Liberals) in 24 out of 24 elections.

Fox and MSNBC: In the United States, Fox and MSNBC have niched down to report from a right- and left-wing bias, respectively.

Fog of war: During wartime, national news outlets tend to engage in overt bias against the enemy by reporting extensively on their war crimes while failing to report on their own war crimes.

Missing white woman syndrome: Sensationalism bias is evident in cases such as missing woman Gabby Petito. The argument of this type of bias is that media tends only to report on missing women when they are white, and neglect to make as much of a fuss about missing Indigenous women.

First-World Bias in Reporting on Natural Disasters: Scholars have found that news outlets tend to have bias toward reporting on first-world nations that have suffered natural disasters while under-reporting on natural disasters in developing nations, where they're seen as not newsworthy (Aritenang, 2022; Berlemann & Thomas, 2018).

Overseas Reporting on US Politics: Sensationalism bias has an effect when non-US nations report on US politics. Unlike other nations' politics, US politics is heavily reported worldwide. One major reason is that US politics tends to be bitterly fought and lends itself to sensational headlines.

Click baiting: Media outlets that have moved to a predominantly online focus, such as Forbes and Vice, are biased toward news reports that can be summed up by a sensational headline to ensure they get clicked - this is called "click baiting".

Google rankings and mainstream research bias: Google has explicitly put in its site quality rater guidelines a preference for sites that report in ways that reflect "expert consensus". While this may be seen as a positive way to use bias, it can also push potentially valid alternative perspectives and whistleblowers off the front page of search results.

False Balance on climate change: Researchers at Northwestern University have highlighted the prevalence of false balance reporting on climate change. They argue that 99% of scientists agree that it is man-made, yet often, news segments have one scientist arguing one side and another arguing another, giving the reporting a perception that it's a 50-50 split in the scientific debate. In their estimation, an unbiased report would demonstrate the overwhelming amount of scientific evidence supporting one side over the other.

Negative Unemployment Reports: Garz found that media tend to over-report negative unemployment statistics while under-reporting when unemployment statistics are positive (Garz, 2013).

Gotcha Journalism: Gotcha journalism involves having journalists go out and actively seek out "gotcha questions" that will lead to sensational headlines. It is a form of bias because it often leads to less reporting on substantive messaging and an over-emphasis on gaffes and disingenuous characterizations of politicians.

Citizenship bias: When a disaster happens overseas, reporting often presents the number deceased, followed by the number from the news outlet's company. For example, they might say: "51 dead, including 4 Americans." This bias, of course, is to try to make the news appear more relevant to their audience, but nonetheless shows a bias toward the audience's in-group.

Online indie media bias: Online indie media groups that have shot up on YouTube and social media often have overt biases. Left-wing versions include The Young Turks and The David Pakman Show, while right-wing versions include The Daily Wire and Charlie Kirk.

Western alienation: In Canada, this phenomenon refers to ostensibly national media outlets like The Globe and Mail having a bias toward news occurring in Toronto and ignoring western provinces, leading to "western alienation".

The Government's Role in Media Bias
Governments also play an important role in media bias due to their ability to distribute power.
The most obvious examples of pro-government media bias can be seen in totalitarian regimes, such as modern-day North Korea (Merloe, 2015). The government and the media can influence each other: the media can influence politicians and vice versa (Entman, 2007).

Nevertheless, even liberal democratic governments can affect media bias by, for example, leaking stories to their favored outlets and selectively calling upon their preferred outlets during news conferences.

In addition to the government, the market can also influence media coverage. Bias can be the function of who owns the media outlet in question, who are the media staff, what is the intended audience, what gets the most clicks or sells the most newspapers, and so on.

Conclusion

Media bias refers to the bias of journalists and news outlets in reporting events, views, stories, and everything else they might cover.

The term usually denotes a widespread bias rather than something specific to one journalist or article.

There are many types of media bias. It is useful to understand the different types of biases, but also recognize that while good reporting can and does exist, it's almost impossible to fully eliminate biases in reporting.

References

Aritenang, A. (2022). Understanding international agenda using media analytics: The case of disaster news coverage in Indonesia. Cogent Arts & Humanities, 9(1), 2108200.

Garz, M. (2014). Good news and bad news: evidence of media bias in unemployment reports. Public Choice, 161(3), 499-515.

Groseclose, T., & Milyo, J. (2005). A measure of media bias. The Quarterly Journal of Economics, 120(4), 1191-1237.

Mackey, T. P., & Jacobson, T. E. (2019). Metaliterate Learning for the Post-Truth World. American Library Association.

Mullainathan, S., & Shleifer, A. (2002). Media Bias (No. w9295; p. w9295). National Bureau of Economic Research. https://doi.org/10.3386/w9295

Newton, K. (1996). The mass media and modern government. Wissenschaftszentrum Berlin für Sozialforschung.

Ribeiro, F. N., Henrique, L., Benevenuto, F., Chakraborty, A., Kulshrestha, J., Babaei, M., & Gummadi, K. P. (2018, June). Media bias monitor: Quantifying biases of social media news outlets at large-scale. In Twelfth international AAAI conference on web and social media.

Sloan, W. D., & Mackay, J. B. (2007). Media Bias: Finding It, Fixing It. McFarland.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
35 Media Bias Examples for Students (2023)

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Media bias examples include ideological bias, gotcha journalism, negativity bias, and sensationalism. Real-life situations when they occur include when ski resorts spin snow reports to make them sound better, and when cable news shows like Fox and MSNBC overtly prefer one political party over another (republican and democrat, respectively).

# data[].attributes.body
https://www.geckoboard.com/blog/sources-of-misleading-statistics/

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
In 2007, toothpaste company Colgate ran an ad stating that 80% of dentists recommend their product. Based on the promotion, many shoppers assumed Colgate was the best choice for their dental health.

But this wasn't necessarily true. In reality, this is a famous example of misleading statistics.

The adsuggested that dentists preferred Colgate over other toothpaste brands. But the survey asked them to list several brands of toothpaste they would recommend. The data only showed that Colgate was one of a number of different brands that dentists liked. Not quite the same claim, was it?

Businesses use information from surveys and other sources every day to make critical business decisions. But sometimes data can be deceiving. Understand the common sources of misleading statistics so you're prepared to avoid faulty data in your own organization.

What are misleading statistics?

Misleading statistics are data points or sets that lead readers to believe something that isn't true. There are three main stages in the data analysis process where issues can occur:

Collection: When you gather raw data

Processing: When you analyze the raw data and determine its implications for your business

Presentation: When you share the results of your analysis

In the Colgate example above, the problem was at the presentation stage. The company left out critical information when they revealed the results of their study.

Misleading statistics pose a serious concern with internal operations, not just external promotions. Since faulty data can appear legitimate, it's critical to assess data quality before using it to make business decisions.

Source #1: A small sample size

Collecting data from too small a group can skew your survey and test results. Small samples underrepresent your target audience. They can lead to misleading statistics that give you a faulty idea of customer satisfaction and product preferences.

Sample size is especially important if you analyze results in terms of percentages instead of exact numbers. Say you're A/B testing a potential new feature. You see in a report that 60% of survey respondents prefer Version A over Version B.

If you tested 10,000 people, that percentage is a pretty convincing reason to develop that version. But if you tested only 20 people, that means only 12 are interested in the idea. If you're using this data for major business decisions, you want to be sure a significant number of people prefer Version A. Twelve is too small a group to show you that the new feature will be worth your investment.

Small group sizes can also lead to biased sampling. The smaller the group, the less likely it is to represent the diverse demographics of your customer base.

Key takeaway: Use a statistically significant sample size

An ideal sample size depends on many factors, like your company and the goals for your project. Using a third-party tool helps you reliably assess your sample size without having to figure out the calculations on your own.

Use a tool like Optimizely's sample size calculator to figure out the ideal sample size for your goals. Users enter their expected conversion rate and the percent change they are looking for. They can set a preferred standard of statistical significance or go with the calculator's default 95%.

Then, it gives you an approximate ideal sample size based on your needs.

Source #2: Leading survey questions

The way you word survey questions can also be a source of misleading statistics. A recent UK study shows that the way you phrase a question directly affects how a person answers.

One example is survey questions that ask for confirmation. Your survey might say, "Wouldn't you agree that data visualization tools lead to higher productivity?"

By asking, "wouldn't you agree," you're restricting the respondent to answer yes or no, and you're leading them to say yes. Essentially, you are including the answer in the question.

Leading questions might confirm what you hope to see, but they don't result in accurate data.

Key takeaway: Remove leading words from survey questions

Check your surveys for manipulative wording that might lead respondents to give a particular answer. A few examples of influential phrasing include:

Phrases that ask for confirmation

Loaded or emotionally charged words, such as "disaster" or "amazing"

Absolute terms, like "all" or "none"

Check for leading language by asking co-workers to review surveys before sending to customers. Ask what parts of your questions, if any, suggest how they should respond.

Source #3: Confirmation bias

Confirmation bias is when you have a set result you want or expect to see, so you look at only data that affirms your belief.

Companies are most susceptible to this phenomenon when a single employee is giving a presentation. Whether the employee realizes it or not, they may not be providing a full picture of the data due to their own views-and that can lead to poorly informed decisions.

Say a product manager is arguing that their travel app's Favorites feature doesn't need to be updated. To support her claim, she shows that very few customer support calls mention this feature. As it turns out, she was looking at calls from only the last six months.

When analyzing support calls from long-term customers, the product team sees a much higher percentage bringing up issues with the Favorites feature. Newer customers weren't using the feature enough to have problems with it. The product manager's confirmation bias led to misleading statistics that could have resulted in customer concerns going unresolved.

Key takeaway: Encourage third-party review

Everyone has unconscious biases. But not everyone has the same ones. So to minimize confirmation biases, push employees to review each other's ideas.

If an employee comes to you with a proposal, have another team member review the project idea and the presentation. Each person will approach the data differently, so someone will likely realize whether the data is skewed toward one perspective.

Offer training to help employees become aware of their biases. This is especially important when it comes to internal hiring and employee development decisions. Training can help teams avoid misleading statistics that could negatively affect business decisions ranging from product features to team diversity.

Source #4: Confusing graph and chart labels

When most people see a data visualization, they immediately draw conclusions about the information. If the visualization's labels are unclear, those conclusions might be completely different from what the data really shows.

Unusual graph intervals, for example, can skew results and make them look especially dramatic. The two graphs below present the same data. But the graph on the right starts at zero, and the one on the left starts at 3.14.

The left graph paints a picture of rapidly rising interest rates. Yet in reality, rates rose only a fraction of a percent over five years.

Charts and graphs are also misleading when they have irregular intervals. In the chart below, it looks at first glance as though whatever is being measured is rising relatively quickly, but at a fairly steady rate.

But if you look at the y-axis, you'll see the intervals are doubling. The data is actually increasing at an exponential rate. The non-standard y-axis intervals understate the change, and make it appear to be increasing less quickly than it really is. If you saw this chart in a report, it might lead you to make decisions based on growth rates that weren't really happening.

Omitting labels is just as confusing (if not more) to the viewer. In the graph below, it looks initially like Central College pays its adjunct faculty significantly more than other colleges.

But with no y-axis, there is no scale to see how much more.

For comparison, consider a similar graph:

Because the axes are clearly labeled, you can accurately compare full-time and adjunct professor salaries across colleges.

Key takeaway: Check visualizations for readability and accuracy

After you make graphs and charts, ask your teammates for a second opinion. Have them look at your chart and tell you what they get from it at first glance. If it's not what you intended, you may need to revise the labels or intervals for sense and consistency.

For more help with checking the accuracy of your presentations and avoiding visually misleading statistics, check out our data visualization tips.

Source #5: Mistaking correlation for causation

Just because two sets of data seem to be related doesn't mean one variable is causing the other to change.

For example, you might see that sales went up around the same time you released your marketing campaign around a new product feature. But you have to dive deeper into the data before assuming causation. Was the spike in sales just because of the promotion, or was it related to your reduced pricing that happened at the same time?

Assuming one variable caused another can lead to misguided business decisions. You might focus your ad spend around highlighting your new feature, when you should be promoting your competitive pricing plans.

Key takeaway: Run A/B tests to check for causation

After you find correlations in your data,take a close look at why those two variables might be related. One method of checking for causation is running an A/B test. A controlled test allows you to check how changing one variable affects the other.

Say you think your new Facebook ad led to higher conversion rates. Run a test where you show half of Facebook users the new version of your ad, and half the old version.If all other factors are the same, a lower conversion rate for the old ad group will support your assumption.

Minimize misleading statistics by educating your team

To keep misleading statistics from jeopardizing your company, make sure your co-workers understand how this data develops. Teach employees, including managers and executives, about the common sources of misleading statistics and how to keep their data clean and accurate. If everyone understands these points, your company as a whole can make better, more accurate data-driven decisions.
Interested in learning more about misleading statistics? Check the examples and best practices in our statistical fallacies resource.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
5 sources of misleading statistics (& how they can jeopardize your company)

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
In 2007, toothpaste company Colgate ran an ad stating that 80% of dentists recommend their product. Based on the promotion, many shoppers assumed Colgate was the best choice for their dental health. But this wasn't necessarily true. In reality, this is a famous example of misleading statistics.

# data[].attributes.headline
canadian encyclopedia media bias examples

# data[].attributes.subject
canadian encyclopedia media bias examples

# data[].attributes.body
https://www.thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/article/media-bias-in-canada

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
(© Robwilson39/Dreamstime)

Different Forms of Bias

Bias means supporting or opposing something or someone in an unfair way, regardless of the evidence. Journalists are trained to detect bias and avoid letting it creep into their stories. But there are several ways it can still influence the news they produce.

Bias by Selection or Omission

When journalists cover news events, they select or omit information as they decide what is most relevant. For example, if some people in a large crowd boo a politician, journalists can decide to characterize it as the entire audience booing her, some opponents "expressing disapproval," or to not mention the boos at all.

Bias Through Placement

Journalists also decide how to "lead" a story - which information they should highlight first, and how they should present it. They often use an "inverted pyramid" structure to tell the story. In an inverted pyramid style, the reporter starts with a narrow focus on what she decides is the most important piece of information. She then pulls back to include more details and give a broader view of the topic.

Journalists also decide which story leads the broadcast news, and which stories go on the front page of a newspaper or the landing page of a website. Readers tend to assume these are the most important stories of the day, even if that is not stated.

Bias by Headline

With the increase in people getting news from social media, the headline has taken on an even greater role. In fact, it may be all some people read. Headlines can suggest the news is good or bad, exciting or scary, in a way the story might not do.

The drive to get people to share stories on social media has led to the rise of clickbait. Clickbait is when websites write dramatic and emotional headlines designed to pull in readers. The content of the article, however, doesn't deliver what the headline promises. They often follow patterns like: "Man tries to hug a lion - you won't believe what happens next," or "This 1980s child star is all grown up - you'll be shocked at how she looks!" or "Only people with an IQ above 160 can solve this quiz. Can you?" Clicking the link often takes people to a site filled with advertising, and only a few more details on the story itself.

Bias by Word Choice and Tone

Subtle use of language can influence how readers interpret the news. If a reporter writes that someone "claimed" something, it puts doubts in the reader's mind in a way that saying someone "said" something would not. In a story on a middle-aged man who stole a car as a teenager, reporters could call that person a convicted thief, a reformed man, or a person who did their time. Each word choice guides the reader toward a different conclusion about the man's character.

When Ontario premier Doug Ford marched in the York Pride Parade in 2019, theToronto Sun headlined the story, "Ford proudly marches with cops in York Pride parade." The newspaper reported that "dozens of police in uniform" marched and then noted that Ford had made an "unexpected appearance." In the fifth paragraph, it reports that Ford won't march in Toronto Pride, "which has banned police in uniform from marching for the third year in a row."

By using words like "proudly" and drawing attention to Ford marching with police officers, the Sun story creates a favourable impression of the premier. It also creates an unfavourable impression of Toronto Pride by noting its exclusion of police "for the third year in a row."

Global News reported the same story under the headline "Premier Ford marches in York Region Pride parade." Its first paragraph said, "Premier Doug Ford took part in the York Region Pride parade in Newmarket on Saturday afternoon, amid mounting criticism for stating he wouldn't participate in the upcoming Toronto Pride parade."

By leading with "mounting criticism" over the Toronto parade and not mentioning the police officers until much further down in the story, Global News creates an initially unfavourable impression of Ford.

Meanwhile, the Toronto Star's headline said Ford's appearance took organizers "by surprise." In the second paragraph, it quotes organizers saying, "[We were] not aware Mr. Ford was attending or marching." This creates the impression that they may not have approved of his participation.

When Justin Trudeau's Liberal Party won Canada's 2015 federal election, the Toronto Star lead read: "Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. That title, which seemed improbable a mere 11 weeks ago, is now set to become a reality after the Liberals' historic, come-from-behind election result." TheNational Post lead read: "The Liberal Party steamrolled to a stunning political comeback Monday night, forming a new, majority government and creating Canada's first family dynasty."

Both leads focus on the comeback angle. However, the Star called it "historic," which creates a positive impression. The Post instead called it a "family dynasty," alluding to his father, former prime minister Pierre Trudeau. This could create the impression that his father's legacy had an important role in Justin Trudeau's victory.

Bias by Image

Photo editors pick an image to go with a story. They can choose one that makes the person look dignified, or angry, which influences how people read the story. Some stories about US president Donald Trump facing an impeachment inquiry ran photos of Trump yelling with his mouth wide open. Others selected photos of him looking stoic. The first image suggests he responded with anger and little self-control. The other suggests he reacted calmly.

Political parties can also use, or even alter, photos in a way to spread a certain message. In 2019, federal Green Party leader Elizabeth May 's team published a photo of her campaigning. May held a reusable coffee cup with the Green Party logo and drank from a metal straw. However, she later admitted the metal straw and reusable cup were added to the photo digitally. The changes better fit her image of an environmentally conscious politician.

Unpacking Privilege

Privilege refers to rights or advantage that are granted only to a particular group of people. It can also refer more generally to advantages that come from being part of a dominant group in society. Becoming aware of these advantages and their impact on others allows a privileged person to more clearly see the disadvantages that can come from being outside the dominant group.

Privilege can lead to unconscious bias. This means the person holds attitudes or ideas about another group but might only see those beliefs as facts. People can have unconscious biases based on age, gender, culture, language, ethnicity - basically any marker that might divide someone into a different group. When privileged members of society hold unconscious biases against members of a minority or underprivileged group, that can create systemic barriers for the underprivileged group.

Bias in Canadian Journalism

People, including journalists, can also be politically biased against certain views. For decades, many newspapers openly leaned left or right (e.g., the left-leaning Globe and the right-leaning Empire newspapers). Today, people are more likely to find openly biased reporting on left-leaning websites such as HuffPost or Salon, or the right-leaning Drudge Report or Rebel News. Some studies have found that the CBC has a left-centre bias. However, that tends to be largely offset by factual reporting that includes multiple perspectives.

In Canadian journalism, the fact that a majority of journalists are White can lead to biased reporting on minority groups. People can overcome unconscious bias by thinking and talking about it, and especially by listening to people from less privileged backgrounds. People consuming the news can pay extra attention to how certain groups are typically represented by the media and by noticing who is under-represented or misrepresented.

Media Ownership and Convergence

In privately owned media, the interests and biases of the ownership can create bias in the news outlet. Corporations often own different kinds of media (e.g., news websites, radio stations, television networks). That can narrow the range of opinion in the public forum. A dramatic example of this in the United States came in March 2018. Dozens of news anchors from multiple television stations across the country all recited the same speech warning against the dangers of "biased and false news." Local FOX, ABC and CBS outlets delivered a seemingly independent editorial message about the "troubling trend of irresponsible, one-sided news stories plaguing our country."

All the stations in question were owned by the Sinclair Broadcast Group. It has close ties to President Donald Trump. The little-known company owns 191 television stations, which all run under different names. Most viewers would have no idea their local anchor was reading a script reflecting a corporation's right-wing perspective. Trump himself has tweeted that Sinclair is "far superior" to CNN or NBC.

Media Ownership in Canada

Canada has not seen that level of widespread media ownership. However, it does have big corporations that own multiple news outlets. ( See also Media Convergence.)

The Torstar Corporation owns the Toronto Star and operates more than 80 newspapers across Canada, including the StarMetro chain of free daily newspapers. The Postmedia Network Canada Corporation owns theNational Post newspaper. It also owns daily newspapers in Alberta, British Columbia, Manitoba, Ontario, Quebec and Saskatchewan. The corporation, which owns 140 outlets in print and online, is 98-per-cent owned by US hedge funds.

In Atlantic Canada, the Irving Group is well-known for its gas stations and home oil delivery. In New Brunswick, through Brunswick News, it owns every major daily newspaper, most of the French and English weeklies, and some private radio stations. In 2019, Brunswick News fired its award-winning political cartoonist Michael de Adder - a move he said came in response to an unflattering cartoon he drew about Donald Trump. Using the Twitter account of one of its newspapers, Brunswick News called that "false information" and said that cancelling de Adder's contract was not related to the Trump cartoon.

It is unlikely that bias can be completely removed from media-owning corporations or individual journalists. But a public that is media literate can better detect and object to those biases. Journalists who are aware of their own biases and issues around privilege can monitor their own reporting to ensure it relies on facts and balances multiple sides of issues.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
(© Robwilson39/Dreamstime) Bias means supporting or opposing something or someone in an unfair way, regardless of the evidence. Journalists are trained to detect bias and avoid letting it creep into their stories. But there are several ways it can still influence the news they produce.

# data[].attributes.body
https://www.metabase.com/blog/6-most-common-type-of-data-bias-in-data-analysis

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.provider_name
Metabase | Business Intelligence, Dashboards, and Data Visualization

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
You're trying to make a good decision, and decide to take a look at your data to help you make your call. You've got everything you need to feel confident, and move forward feeling invincible-after all, your data backs you up. But then, things don't turn out the way you expect. Suddenly you're scrambling, and trying to figure out what went wrong.

If that sounds familiar, you might be dealing with cognitive biases which are influencing and distorting how you perceive the world around you. These biases are universal -inherently a part of how everyone processes information-but they take on additional complexity when working with and learning from data.

Wait, I thought data was supposed to help me be objective?

It's true, working with data helps you to make better decisions, anchored in reality rather than opinion. But just because you're working with data, doesn't mean that your biases can't distort how you're seeing the world.

Cognitive biases are systematic errors in thinking, usually inherited by cultural and personal experiences, that lead to distortions of perceptions when making decisions. And while data might seem objective, data is collected and analyzed by humans, and thus can be biased.

And these effects only grow when people are used to training machine learning models. The models inherit the bias of the people building them, and produce unexpected and harmful outcomes like these:

So what can I do about data bias?

The first step to overcome bias in your decision-making is to familiarize yourself with the most common types of data bias. To get you started, we've collected the six most common types of data bias, along with some recommended mitigation strategies.

1. Confirmation bias

You've probably encountered this underlying bias every day of your life. We all love being right, so our brains are constantly on the hunt for evidence that supports our prior beliefs. Even if we're trying our best to be open to alternative ideas, our minds are pushing back towards the safety and comfort of our own first thoughts. This can happen subconsciously through biases in how we search for, interpret, or recall information, or consciously, when we decide to cherry pick, by focusing on information that supports our arguments.

"I saw it on Facebook, it was shared by John" - sound familiar? Social media algorithms take advantage of people's natural confirmation biases. By promoting and amplifying content that confirms what visitors already believe, social media platforms reinforce visitors' prior beliefs, keeping them engaged with the platform. Users see what they already believe, and leave feeling more convinced that their views are supported in reality.

How to avoid confirmation bias

Record your beliefs and assumptions before starting your analysis. This will help you proactively recognize your biases as you review your results.

Go through all the presented data and evidence, but don't immediately jump to conclusions. Resist the temptation to generate hypotheses or gather additional information to confirm your beliefs.

Revisit your recorded beliefs and assumptions at the conclusion of your analysis, and evaluate if they've influenced your findings.

2. Selection bias

Selection biases occur when looking at samples that are not representative of the population. This can happen organically when working with small sets of data, or when the sampling methodology is not truly randomized.

Selection bias example: A/B test pricing

A startup wants to know whether reducing the price of their product would result in higher overall revenues. They decide to test their new pricing for a week, but only test with visitors from the US. When they roll-out the pricing to the rest of the world, they're surprised to find that the broader audience behaves differently than their sample.

How to avoid selection bias

Use randomization to ensure you have a representative sample rather than a convenient one.

Make sure the samples are representative of the population in the variables you want to control (eg. Geos are evenly distributed)

3. Historical Bias

Historical data bias occurs when socio-cultural prejudices and beliefs are mirrored into systematic processes. This becomes particularly challenging when data from historically-biased sources are used to train machine learning models-for example, if manual systems give certain groups of people poor credit ratings, and you're using that data to train the automatic system, the automatic system will replicate and may amplify the original system's biases.

Historical bias example: word embeddings

In 2013, neural network models transformed the way machines understand written words. This technology allows computers to encode the semantic meaning of words, by learning from giant sets of written text, like Wikipedia, Google News, or Reddit. However, we've seen several examples where text sourced from existing datasets has produced models that mirror and amplify the existing biases contained in those datasets. For example, a machine learning model trained on Wikipedia produced gender-biased analogies like: man : doctor :: woman : nurse, or man : commander :: woman : school teacher. The model inherited the historical biases of society by learning from the huge corpora of text, and produced work further reinforcing those biases.

How to avoid historical bias

Acknowledge and identify biases in historic and contemporary data sources.

Establish and foster inclusivity frameworks for underrepresented groups.

4. Survivorship Bias

It's easier to focus on the winners rather than the runners-up. If you think back to your favorite competition from the 2016 Olympics, it's probably pretty tough to recall who got the silver and bronze. Survivorship bias influences us to focus on the characteristic of winners, due to a lack of visibility of other samples-confusing our ability to discern correlation and causation.

Survivorship bias example: Over-indexing on the advice of successful entrepreneurs

After hearing business stories from people like successful entrepreneurs, it's tempting to try to follow their advice without any question. Why? They succeeded. You may even think that the key to being a successful entrepreneur is to never finish college.

It's true that they achieved impressive results, but how many other people have followed the same path and failed? We pay much less attention to the silent number of entrepreneurs who failed, but there are far more of them. It doesn't mean that we shouldn't study the strategies of successful leaders, but we need to remember there are many more variables at play that determine which organizations succeed.

How to avoid survivorship bias

Don't overindex on what survived. Take a step back and consider the paths taken by both successful and unsuccessful participants.

Find more data for the other side of the story.

5. Availability Bias

Availability of data has a big influence on how we view the world-but not all data is investigated and weighed equally. Have you ever found yourself wondering if crime has increased in your neighborhood because you've seen a broken car window? You've seen a vivid clue that something might be going on, but since you probably didn't go on to investigate crime statistics, it's likely that your perception shifted based on the immediately available information.

Availability bias example: Innovation mania

A breakthrough new technology is taking the world by storm. You're seeing it on every billboard, news article, and hearing about it from your colleagues nonstop. When you encounter a problem that this technology could help you with, it's the first thing on your mind, and you jump right into implementing it on your new project. After a few weeks, your project isn't going as well as you'd hoped, and you realized that an older, more proven technology might have been a better solution. But because the breakthrough was easily available in your memory, you didn't fully investigate, and ended up needing to rethink your work.

How to avoid availability bias

Focus on larger trends and patterns, rather than vivid anecdotal outliers. It's possible that the vivid memories you have, are the exception rather than the rule, and you can only be sure by investigating further.

Look for different perspectives! News, media, but also your team, family, and friends play a huge role in shaping this natural shortcut, because they expose you more frequently to what they think is important for you to remember and pay attention to. You can counteract availability bias by exercising curiosity and proactively digging into available information, (even if it's harder to get) to understand a given situation.

6. Outlier Bias

Averages are a great place to hide uncomfortable truths. Some data is convenient to visualize as an average, but this simple operation hides the effect of outliers and anomalies, and skews our observations.

Outlier Bias example: looking at the average of KPI

A start-up wants to be sure that their marketing site feels quick and responsive. They decide to track their average latency time to make sure that their site continues to load quickly. After a few months of roughly consistent average latency values, they start to see a decline in engagement on some of their most important pages. When they investigate further, they realize that the latency on those pages has skyrocketed. Their average latency time site-wide continued to paint a rosy image, because those pages were an outlier amongst many other otherwise well-performing pages.

How to avoid outlier bias

When averages tell you things are looking good, it's time to dig deeper.

Look at the entire range of distribution

Use median instead of average

Find and investigate outliers

Final thoughts: Data bias

Working through our cognitive biases is an important part of working with and learning from data. Although data helps us see the world like never before-becoming aware of, and taking preventative measures against data biases is an important step to making better decisions with data.

Cheers,

The Metabase Team

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
The 6 most common types of bias when working with data

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
You're trying to make a good decision, and decide to take a look at your data to help you make your call. You've got everything you need to feel confident, and move forward feeling invincible-after all, your data backs you up. But then, things don't turn out the way you expect.

# data[].attributes.body
https://hbr.org/2022/02/are-you-aware-of-your-biases#:~:text=To%20become%20aware%20of%20your,speak%20up%20when%20they%20disagree%3F

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Where your work meets your life. See more from Ascend here.

When I became a manager for the first time, I had a clear vision of my leadership style: I wanted to value my team and treat everyone with respect. Once I took charge, I learned that leadership wasn't as simple as I'd first imagined it.

A direct report, Bob, had joined the team right after high school (and before I'd joined). He had no college degree or certifications to his credit. Unconsciously, I assumed Bob was less capable than others on the team and began to assign him less challenging projects, because certifications show expertise, right?

"Why aren't you assigning Bob on that new project?" a peer asked me one day. The more we discussed it, the more I realized that I'd assumed others to be more capable than Bob merely because they had a college degree. I was inadvertently discriminating against Bob and treating him differently.

As I worked to correct my behavior towards him, I realized how much I'd been unaware of his skills because of my biases. He was the to-go person for anyone who needed help in solving the most complex challenges, he was an avid learner, and he knew his stuff.

What I learned from this experience was that our intentions are worthless without thoughtful action. While I "intended" to create a team where everyone felt equal, I had failed to put that intention into practice. Recognizing I had biases unknown to myself but visible to others pushed me to investigate the other ways in which I might have been unintentionally undermining or holding back my team.

Often, it's easy to "call out" people when we notice their microaggressions or biases. But it's challenging to recognize and acknowledge these behaviors in ourselves. When we choose to become aware of our shortcomings, we can use what we discover to inform our leadership style and correct (or avoid perpetuating) discriminatory behavior.

Here are a few strategies that have helped me on my journey to becoming a more inclusive leader.

1) Acknowledge that you have biases. Then, educate yourself to do better.

It's important to become aware of our unconscious biases and work towards change.

I grew up in a privileged environment where attaining a "higher education" was considered the path to success. For most of my life, I believed thatexpertise and capability were strongly correlated with your level of education. That harmful and limiting assumption clouded my judgment of Bob and his skills.

To become aware of your unconscious biases, start by educating yourself.

Paying attention to your thoughts and examining your beliefs can help you identify the assumptions you currently hold. For example, do you believe that people will always speak up when they disagree? Do you think that showing your emotions - or crying at work - is a sign of weakness? How do you feel when someone misses a deadline? Do you automatically assume that they are unproductive or incapable, or are you able to extend empathy and listen to their reasons?

The key is to slow down and investigate your beliefs and assumptions so that you can see the other person for who they truly are. As a leader, it's easy to think that you don't have time to pause. But taking a few minutes to question yourself can make all the difference to you and your team. Here are some other questions you can reflect on:

What core beliefs do I hold? How might these beliefs limit or enable me and my colleagues at work?

How do I react to people from different backgrounds? Do I hold stereotypes or assumptions about a particular social group?

As a manager, do I acknowledge and leverage differences on my team?

How would my team describe my leadership style if they were sharing their experience of working with me to others?

Do my words and actions actually reflect my intentions?

Do I put myself in the shoes of the other person and empathize with their situation, even if I don't relate to it?

When you pay attention to your answers, you'll find patterns of thinking that will help you become aware of other biases that you may have.

When I did this exercise, I realized that I was undervaluing people who were quiet in meetings because I assumed that they didn't have anything to contribute. But the truth was that I wasn't creating an inclusive environment for them to open up or share their thoughts. To overcome this bias, I started sending out meeting agendas in advance. I also checked in with my quieter team members during our one-on-one meetings to assure them that I valued their contributions and brainstorm ways to help them speak up.

2) Let others challenge your assumptions.

Our view of ourselves is made up of our life experiences and the lessons we learn along the way. We typically develop unconscious biases as a result of the things we were taught and the observations we made throughout our childhoods and adolescence - at home, at school, in conversations with friends, and through the media we consumed (and still do).

When someone challenges these long-held beliefs and values, it can be uncomfortable. Instead of getting defensive, pay attention to your immediate reaction. Before acting, take a breath and try to shift your mindset. Approach the situation from a place of curiosity and positive intent. Here are some ways to have a conversation when someone points out your microaggressions or problematic behaviors.

"I really appreciate you sharing that with me. What else did you notice that I should be aware of?"

"I hadn't thought about it this way until you shared your views. Would you say more?"

"Thank you. I didn't realize that. I'm committed to growing my leadership and am aware we all have unconscious biases. What else can you share with me about the impact of my actions?"

Your mistakes are not dead-ends. Every confrontation is an opportunity to learn and improve your leadership. These discussions will open you up to seeking feedback from others, who can become the catalyst to help you uncover your biases.

3) Be open to feedback.

It's human to crave affirmation, especially when you're a leader. But doing right by people requires that you constantly look at how your behaviors, actions, and words impact your team.

Reach out to a diverse group of peers to understand how they perceive you and what you can do better. People whose perspectives and opinions differ from yours are more likely to provide you with insightful feedback. You could say, "I value your opinion and am curious about the impact of my leadership style. Would you be willing to have a conversation about this? Is there something I can improve upon that will have a positive impact on the team?"

Then, listen with the intent of learning something new. Remind yourself that honest feedback will help you grow and develop self-awareness.

This is a situation I have personally faced at various points throughout my career. On one occasion, for example, I had a particularly strained relationship with a direct report. Once we discussed the issue privately, I learned that she felt I was micromanaging her and diminishing her experience. From my perspective, I thought I had been helping her overcome challenges. While the feedback was hard to hear, I had to remind myself that it wasn't personal. My goal was to enable my direct report in the ways that worked best for her.

Once you identify your own weak areas and decide what changes you'd like to make, you'll likely need support to help you follow through. In my case, my direct report and I scheduled a fortnightly check-in during which she could share updates and concerns. You can similarly hold yourself accountable by sharing your goal with a mentor or a trusted colleague. Chooses someone who will encourage you and push you to re-commit when you are struggling.

4) Embrace diverse perspectives.

You shouldn't just receive feedback from people whose world views vary from your own, you should make an effort to regularly interact and build meaningful relationships with them. Even if you end up engaging in healthy debates, the experience will broaden your mindset and encourage you to become a more inclusive (and creative) person. Cultivating a diverse network is a great way to do this.

When I originally looked at my network, I found that many of my friends and colleagues "looked" like me. They came from similar backgrounds, levels of privilege, and social capital. These kinds of networks can often turn into echo chambers where people share similar thoughts and opinions.

I encourage you to take a critical look at your network as well. Do you need to expand it? If the answer is "yes," try joining an Employee Resource Group (ERG) that will help you connect with people from different backgrounds who may share your interests. Similarly, you can seek out community groups on LinkedIn to meet professionals from around the world.

If you want to expand your circle of friends at your current job, try to be more intentional about who you reach out to. Invite people outside of your immediate team for a coffee break or virtual lunch. This could be other leaders in your company, peers in other departments, or any colleague with who you have yet to connect with. Use the time to get to know them - ask about their work and their lives. Go in with the expectation that people are going to be different than you (in all kinds of ways) and appreciate those differences when they show up.

Finally, keep in mind that there are simple ways to expand your perspective outside of networking with other people. One thing that has helped me diversify my thinking is the media I consume: the books I read, the podcasts I listen to, and the people I follow on social platforms. In my early career, for example, I'd only read - and was only encouraged to read - leadership books written by white, male authors (not surprising). Now, I intentionally search for and pick up books by authors of all races, genders, and nationalities to expand my outlook.

Learning to embrace diverse perspectives may feel challenging at first, but making a conscious effort will help. Change - of any kind - is uncomfortable. The most important thing you can do as a leader is prepare for that discomfort. Every phase of your leadership journey will require that you take time to introspect and emerge more self-aware. That is what will allow you to grow and flourish.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Often, it's easy to "call out" people when we notice their microaggressions or biased behaviors. But it can be equally challenging to recognize and acknowledge our own unconscious biases. That said, becoming aware of your shortcomings can help you hone your leadership style, especially when you're a new manager.

# data[].attributes.body
https://www.historyskills.com/source-criticism/analysis/bias/

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
As you read historical sources, particularly primary sources, you may find yourself noticing that some language used by the source's creator is extreme or obviously one-sided.

When you notice this, you have noticed potential bias. Finding out more about bias helps you draw some powerful evaluations about a source.

Bias is when the creator's perspective is so strongly for or against something that the information in the source is clearly unbalanced or prejudiced.

All sources contain some degree of bias, but it is not always possible to detect it.

Bias can either be extremely positive or extremely negative.

If extremely positive, it is described as "pro-", or "in favour of", etc.

If extremely negative, it is described as "anti-", or "strongly against", etc.

If you cannot detect a bias, it is described as a "balanced" source.

Watch a video explanation on the History Skills YouTube channel:

Look for times in a source where any of the following happen:

When describing people or events, the language is too positive and does not admit anything negative

When describing people or events, the language is too negative and does not admit anything positive

The source fails to mention very important information of which you are aware

The source provides clearly incorrect information

If you noticed any of the above in your source, it indicates that the creator has a specific bias about the person or event and wants to communicate in a way that positions the audience to see things from the same perspective.

Once you have discovered bias in your source, prove that it exists. Here is how you do it:

1. Choose a direct quote from the source the shows a clear demonstration of overly positive or negative language.

2. Explain what perspective the creator wanted to convince theiraudience to have on the person or event based upon this bias.

3. You may also want to explain what motived the creator to do so.

However, bias in sources does not automatically make a source unreliable or inaccurate . Acknowledging which side the source supports simply allows us to highlight gaps in information.

Demonstrating the identification of bias in your writing:

The Gallic Wars has an overt pro-Caesar bias since it portrays him in an obviously positive way, with very little mention of any of his failures .

The Refugee Council of Australia is very biased in favour of refugees since they believe that the Pacific Solution is "illegal" (2007, n.p.).

Andrews has a very one-sided view of the events he describes, which is primarily due to the fact that he is a political activist. This is clear when he describes himself as a victim by saying that his opponents "maliciously assaulted" him (2012, 43).

No personal information is collected as part of this quiz. Only the selected responses to the questions are recorded.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
As you read historical sources, particularly primary sources, you may find yourself noticing that some language used by the source's creator is extreme or obviously one-sided. When you notice this, you have noticed potential bias. Finding out more about bias helps you draw some powerful evaluations about a source.

# data[].attributes.body
https://researchguides.njit.edu/evaluate/basics

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Skip to main content

It looks like you're using Internet Explorer 11 or older. This website works best with modern browsers such as the latest versions of Chrome, Firefox, Safari, and Edge. If you continue with this browser, you may see unexpected results.

Evaluating Sources for Credibility (3 Min)

Authored by librarians at North Carolina State University

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Research Guides: How to Evaluate Information Sources: The Basics

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Skip to main content It looks like you're using Internet Explorer 11 or older. This website works best with modern browsers such as the latest versions of Chrome, Firefox, Safari, and Edge. If you continue with this browser, you may see unexpected results.

# data[].attributes.headline
settlement  Ontario e+cm fake news and how to stop spreading it

# data[].attributes.subject
settlement  Ontario e+cm fake news and how to stop spreading it

# data[].attributes.body
https://settlement.org/ontario/daily-life/communication/ethnic-and-cultural-media/what-is-fake-news-and-how-to-stop-spreading-misinformation/

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Skip Breadcrumb Links

The term "fake news" has been used extensively by the news media, in social media, and general discussions. In political contexts, calling something "fake news" is done to distract or discredit officials and to help spread misinformation.

With so much free information online it's easy to get distracted by all the false materials polluting the web. Authoritative resources that were once considered official, have been overrun by online platforms intentionally created to share and spread low quality, false information.

What are the different types of false information?

False information can be categorized in three ways:

Misinformation is the spread of false or mistaken information that wasn't necessarily created to harm you. By sharing and spreading information that is incorrect you make it credible.

Fake News lies or fabricated information/news that is non-verifiable through sources, facts or quotes. This includes: hoaxes, conspiracy theories, fake websites, pages posing as legitimate websites, memes, Youtube channels posing as official channels, and "zombie claims" (photos or posts that have been manipulated or edited to look real that keep popping up all over social media).

is information that was created to deceive, lie or support either individual or a social/political group's agenda. It's Disinformation biased information like propaganda used for " brainwashing " created with the intent to harm you.

Mis- and disinformation is designed to trigger a reaction (emotional response) and to gain an action (share content). It's easy to spread misinformation without even thinking about it when something triggers strong feelings in us.

How do I know what information is real?

Always check the source or "author" of the content you are viewing. A reliable and reputable source:

provides in-depth, evidence-based information that is authoritative

is unbiased and offers a balanced approach

is well known and has built a reputation of being trustworthy over time

Examples of reliable sources are:

established media - printed/digital news, magazines, or television

peer-reviewed articles or "scholarly journals" (articles written by an expert and reviewed by a group of experts)

government or publicly funded organization reports, fact-sheets or multi-media

academic research papers and databases

books and libraries.

Trustworthy organizations pay teams of dedicated staff to research, investigate and validate facts to ensure the information being published is legitimate and true.

Avoid Spreading Misinformation

Stop! And fact-check before you share. Practice evaluation skills and develop a critical mindset. Ask yourself: Why was this information created and what is its goal?

Don't just look at what a web page tells you about themselves. Instead, do a web search and find out what others are saying about them. This will help you determine the accuracy of the information.

Authority - who is the author and where did the item originate? Check on the individual, company or institution, to see where their biases (personal inclinations/favouritisms) are. Is the author's name listed? What are their credentials that make them an expert in the topic?

Accuracy - information that is accurate and free from errors is considered more reliable. One or two typos are ok but information that is presented in a sloppy manner with too many spelling or grammatical mistakes comes across as unprofessional. Are there links to other resources to back up the claims one source is making? For statistical references and data check where they come from. Numbers can be easily changed and manipulated to show personal opinions. Fact and opinion are different.

Objectivity - check to see if the information is presented with the least amount of prejudice or personal bias. Is it an opinion or is it trying to sell you something?

Timeliness - when was the information first published? Is the content you are looking at up-to-date, or the website updated regularly, or is it something that is old made to look like new information?

Fact-Checking Resources and Tools

Web Search and Wikipedia

Start your research journey with a web search to see what others are saying and follow it with a Wikipedia s earch. Although Wikipedia is self-regulated - meaning anyone can edit another person's entries and comments on the site - it's generally a good place to start to gather information on any given topic.

Verify Images

Find out if an image has been used many times already by doing a reverse image check. You can upload or drag and drop pictures in sites like Google Images, Yandex, and TinyEye.

CIVIX

is the keyboard shortcut command to "find" information, it's also the name of a program offered through the CIVIX news literacy site. The site was created by a the Government of Canada and it's a collection of videos, tutorials and resources that teaches you quick strategies to investigate information.

Video produced by: CTRL-F

Verifiably

The Verifiably App was created by an ex-senior online political journalist at the CBC, Susana Mas, who also has been working with the immigration and refugee sector to teach about misinformation. Sign up to get texts on your phone of verified information about COVID-19 as well as tips on how to spot false information in different languages (French, Spanish and English).

Snopes.com is an evidence-based source for fact checking that offers resources to encourage readers to do their own fact checking. They look at urban myths, hoaxes and conspiracies, rumors, and general misinformation.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
What is fake news and how to stop the spread of misinformation?

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Skip Breadcrumb Links The term "fake news" has been used extensively by the news media, in social media, and general discussions. In political contexts, calling something "fake news" is done to distract or discredit officials and to help spread misinformation. With so much free information online it's easy to get distracted by all the false materials polluting the web.

# data[].attributes.body
https://www.maca.gov.nt.ca/en/services/avoid-misinformation-and-disinformation

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Avoid misinformation and disinformation | Municipal and Community Affairs

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
In emergencies, there is a lot of information going around. Not all of it is reliable. Speculation, rumour and false information can cause confusion, anxiety and delay emergency response efforts. Use these tips to help you spot misinformation and disinformation and avoid it. [TOC] Information, misin…

# data[].attributes.headline
Washington post how to avoid misinformation tips

# data[].attributes.subject
Washington post how to avoid misinformation tips

# data[].attributes.body
https://www.washingtonpost.com/technology/2022/02/24/tips-avoid-misinformation-ukraine-2/

# data[].attributes.body
https://library.geneseo.edu/ElectionsAndPolitics/SocialMediaLies

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Skip to Main Content

It looks like you're using Internet Explorer 11 or older. This website works best with modern browsers such as the latest versions of Chrome, Firefox, Safari, and Edge. If you continue with this browser, you may see unexpected results.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Library Website : Elections and Politics Information: Ways to avoid the spread of false info on social media

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Skip to Main Content It looks like you're using Internet Explorer 11 or older. This website works best with modern browsers such as the latest versions of Chrome, Firefox, Safari, and Edge. If you continue with this browser, you may see unexpected results.

# data[].attributes.body
https://www.allsides.com/unbiased-balanced-news

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
AllSides Headline Roundups™ bring you top news stories from the left, center and right of the political spectrum - side-by-side so you can see the full picture.

We rotate the order of headlines to avoid biasing our coverage in favor of the left, which otherwise would always be listed first.

Learn how AllSides provides balanced news

MSNBC (Left bias) announced it's canceling opinion commentator Mehdi Hasan's Sunday night show on Thursday, drawing opinions from journalists and media outlets. For Context: Hasan is known...

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
AllSides | Balanced news via media bias ratings for an unbiased news perspective

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
We use media bias ratings to provide balanced news, perspectives and issues across the political spectrum. Unbiased news coverage doesn't exist - there is no such thing as unbiased news or t

# data[].attributes.body
https://www.politifact.com/

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Fact-checking journalism is the heart of PolitiFact. Our core principles are independence, transparency, fairness, thorough reporting and clear writing. The reason we publish is to give citizens the information they need to govern themselves in a democracy.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
PolitiFact is a fact-checking website that rates the accuracy of claims by elected officials and others on its Truth-O-Meter.

# data[].attributes.body
https://www.truthorfiction.com/

# data[].attributes.body
https://www.snopes.com/fact-check/mark-twain-read-newspaper-misinformed/

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
A quote has been floating around in print and online publications for years that, in many instances, has been attributed to writer Mark Twain. The quote is this, "If you don't read the newspaper you are uninformed. If you do read the newspaper you are misinformed."
(Screenshot, azquotes.com)
We found no evidence Mark Twain was the originator of this statement. Quote Investigator Garson O'Toole also found no instances in which this quote or any like it came from Twain.

According to the Center for Mark Twain Studies at Elmira College, a private institution in Elmira, New York, "lazy newspaper columnists" began slinging the saying around and attributing it to Mark Twain in 2007, "for reasons that remain unclear."

The irony of the legendary humorist's name being spuriously used under these circumstances wasn't lost on the Center's Twain apocrypha page:

Over the next couple years, the aphorism was repeatedly used as a crutch for lazy columnists. Thus emerges a meta-irony which Twain would undoubtedly have appreciated: newspaper writers writing in newspapers about the unreliability of newspaper writing and citing an unreliable source to testify to that unreliability.

Quote Investigator found variations of the statement going back centuries, with one example using different wording but expressing a similar sentiment in a letter written by Thomas Jefferson in 1807:

I will add, that the man who never looks into a newspaper is better informed than he who reads them; inasmuch as he who knows nothing is nearer to truth than he whose mind is filled with falsehoods & errors. He who reads nothing will still learn the great facts, and the details are all false.

There's no evidence Twain made the statement - but quotes misattributed on the internet to famous people is a common occurrence. For example, some falsely attributed a quote that appeared to address "cancel culture," a fixture of early 21st century internet discourse, to 19th-century Russian literary giant Fyodor Dostoevsky.

Sources:
O'Toole, Garson. "If You Don't Read the Newspaper You Are Uninformed, If You Do Read the Newspaper You Are Misinformed." Quote Investigator. https://quoteinvestigator.com/2016/12/03/misinformed/. Accessed 5 Jan. 2023.

Palma, Bethania. "Did Fyodor Dostoevsky Say This About Tolerance?" Snopes, 31 Dec. 2022, https://www.snopes.com/fact-check/fyodor-dostoevsky-quote-on-tolerance/.

Seybold, Matt. "The Apocryphal Twain: 'If You Don't Read the Newspaper, You're Uninformed. If You Do, You're Misinformed.'" Center for Mark Twain Studies, Elmira College, 21 Feb. 2018, https://marktwainstudies.com/the-apocryphal-twain-if-you-dont-read-the-newspaper-youre-uninformed-if-you-do-youre-misinformed/

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Did Mark Twain Say This About Reading the Newspaper and Being Misinformed?

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
A quote has been floating around in print and online publications for years that, in many instances, has been attributed to writer Mark Twain. The quote is this, "If you don't read the newspaper you are uninformed. If you do read the newspaper you are misinformed."

# data[].attributes.body
https://www.snopes.com/

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
The definitive Internet reference source for researching urban legends, folklore, myths, rumors, and misinformation.

# data[].attributes.body
https://www.factcheck.org/

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
A Project of The Annenberg Public Policy Center

# data[].attributes.body
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_satirical_news_websites

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Jump to navigation Jump to search

This is a list of satirical news websites which have a satirical bent, are parodies of news, which consist of fake news stories for mainly humorous purposes.

The best-known example is , which was started in 1996. These sites are not to be confused with fake news websites, which deliberately publish hoaxes in an attempt to profit from gullible readers. News satire is a type of parody presented in a format typical of mainstream journalism, and called a satire because of its content. News satire is not to be confused with fake news that has the intent to mislead. News satire is popular on the web, where it is relatively easy to mimic a credible news source and stories may achieve wide distribution from nearly any site. News satire relies heavily on irony and deadpan humor.

The printed format of ^ Private Eye was founded in 1961, which is not the same as when their website was first created in the 1990s

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia Jump to navigation Jump to search This is a list of satirical news websites which have a satirical bent, are parodies of news, which consist of fake news stories for mainly humorous purposes. The best-known example is , which was started in 1996.

# data[].attributes.headline
Examples of satire and it's sources on the internet

# data[].attributes.subject
Examples of satire and it's sources on the internet

# data[].attributes.body
https://libguides.library.kent.edu/c.php?g=278400&p=1854632

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Skip to Main Content

It looks like you're using Internet Explorer 11 or older. This website works best with modern browsers such as the latest versions of Chrome, Firefox, Safari, and Edge. If you continue with this browser, you may see unexpected results.

About

This page provides link to many satirical news sites. This is a valuable page to consult if you are unsure if a story you are looking at online is real or if you are interested at looking at these sites to learn more about them. Of course, maybe it is final weeks and you just need a good laugh to break the stress: these sites are good for that, too!

International Satire

Not all satirical news sites are located in or are mainly about the United States. These are a few example of sites from around the world.

Subject Guide

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
LibGuides: Online Satirical News: List of Satirical News Sites

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Skip to Main Content It looks like you're using Internet Explorer 11 or older. This website works best with modern browsers such as the latest versions of Chrome, Firefox, Safari, and Edge. If you continue with this browser, you may see unexpected results. This page provides link to many satirical news sites.

# data[].attributes.body
https://www.grammar-monster.com/glossary/satire.htm

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Satire is the use of comedy, sarcasm, irony, or exaggeration to expose the flaws or vices of individuals, institutions, or groups (including their ideas, claims, and proposals).

Satire is most commonly used in the context of topical issues, particularly in the political arena.

Here are some examples of satire:

If voting changed anything, they would make it illegal.

Ninety percent of the politicians give the other ten percent a bad reputation.

When I was a boy, I was told that anybody could become President. Now I'm beginning to believe it.

(This button uses irony to attack the idea of censorship.)
Here are some more examples of satire:

The slider shows some great examples of satire by famous cartoonists. By their nature, some of the cartoons attack politicians. Here at Grammar Monster, we are apolitical!

Why Should I Care about Satire?

This quotation captures how satire works.

"When a thing is funny, search it carefully for a hidden truth." (Playwright George Bernard Shaw)

Here is a good reason to care about satire.
Using satire is an effective way to undermine your target.

When people laugh at a satirical joke, they are, in effect, agreeing with the underpinning observation being presented by the satirist. Presenting an attacking observation in satire is effective because it allows the audience members to reach their own conclusion. By laughing, they are recognizing the absurdity of the reality being described.

Look at these two statements:

I am a brilliant swimmer.

John is a brilliant swimmer.
(Said by someone who knows John, this sentence is far more convincing.)
Neither of these is an example of satire, but they are included here to highlight that a message delivered through an impartial third party is more believable. This is how satire works. A direct rant about the flaws or vices of a particular politician looks like personal opinion or personally motivated. However, a satirical comment about the same politician comes across like it was delivered by a third party. If the satire is recognized by the audience as funny or clever, then the underpinning observation must be accurate. There's a truth to satire.
What Is Satire For?

Here is a great explanation of what satire is for:

See Also
What is irony? What is hyperbole? What is figurative language? What is an idiom? What is a euphemism?

Download Grammarly's app to help with eliminating grammar errors and finding the right words.

Technical Help
Download a Free Grammar Checker

(The Grammarly app works with webmail, social media, and texting apps as well as online forms and Microsoft Office documents like Word.)
Written by

Self Help: Buy Our Book
"Smashing Grammar" (2019)
the founder of Grammar Monster, "Smashing Grammar" includes a glossary of grammar essentials (from apostrophes to zeugma) and a chapter on easily confused words (from affect/effect to whether/if). Each entry starts with a simple explanation and basic examples before moving to real-life, entertaining examples. All entries conclude with a section highlighting why the grammar point is relevant for a writer and top-level bullet points summarizing the entry. [ More]
Vocational rather than academic, "Grammar for Grown-ups" is packed with real-life examples and keeps you engaged with a wealth of great quotations from Homer the Greek to Homer the Simpson. Straight talking and methodical, "Grammar for Grown-ups" (2011)
Craig Shrives draws on his years compiling Grammar Monster and as an army officer to present a comprehensive but light-hearted and easily digestible grammar reference guide. [ More]

Free Help

Everything on Grammar Monster is free.

More free grammar help...
...or join our Facebook group and ask a grammar question.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Satire is defined as 'the use of humor, irony, exaggeration, or ridicule to expose and criticize a person's or institution's flaws or vices.' As shown by the examples, satire typically uses comedy to highlight the failings of targets in the political arena.

# data[].attributes.body
https://www.collinsdictionary.com/dictionary/english/fact

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
FACT definition and meaning | Collins English Dictionary

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
10 meanings: 1. an event or thing known to have happened or existed 2. a truth verifiable from experience or observation 3. a.... Click for more definitions.

# data[].attributes.body
https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/fact

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
borrowed from Latin factum "deed, action, real event," noun derivative from neuter of factus, past participle of facere "to make, bring about, perform, do," going back to a suffixed form (with perfect fēcī from ) of Indo-European "put, place, make, do" - more at

Note: The extension *-k- has been compared with the Greek extended aorist éthēka "I placed" (corresponding to present títhēmi "I set, put, placed"), apparently parallel to Latin jaciō, jacere "to throw" and Greek hêka "I threw" (see ); though the identity of the two formatives has been disputed.

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 4

The first known use of fact was in the 15th century

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
something that has actual existence; an actual occurrence; a piece of information presented as having objective reality... See the full definition

# data[].attributes.body
https://www.dictionary.com/browse/satire

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
See synonyms for satire on Thesaurus.com

noun

1. the use of irony, sarcasm, ridicule, or the like, to expose, denounce, or deride the folly or corruption of institutions, people, or social structures:The success of the production stems from its balance of affectionate comedy and well-observed satire.

2. a work of art, literature, or entertainment in which the folly and corruption of human beings, institutions, or social structures are exposed, denounced, or ridiculed:The skit offended only those who didn't recognize it as a political satire. Did you notice that all the novels on her bookshelf were satires?

See more

Compare Meanings

Click for a side-by-side comparison of meanings. Use the word comparison feature to learn the differences between similar and commonly confused words.

First recorded in 1500-10; from Latin satira, variant of satura "medley," perhaps feminine derivative of satur "sated" (see saturate)

synonym study For satire

1. See irony¹. 2, 3. Satire, lampoon refer to literary forms in which vices or follies are ridiculed. Satire, the general term, often emphasizes the weakness more than the weak person, and usually implies moral judgment and corrective purpose: Swift's satire of human pettiness and bestiality. Lampoon refers to a form of satire, often political or personal, characterized by the malice or virulence of its attack: lampoons of the leading political figures.

Other words for satire

Other words from satire

Words that may be confused with satire

Words Nearby satire

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2024

How to use satire in a sentence

British Dictionary definitions for satire

noun

1. a novel, play, entertainment, etc, in which topical issues, folly, or evil are held up to scorn by means of ridicule and irony

2. the genre constituted by such works

See more

C16: from Latin satira a mixture, from satur sated, from satis enough

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Cultural definitions for satire

A work of literature that mocks social conventions, another work of art, or anything its author thinks ridiculous. Gulliver's Travels, by Jonathan Swift, is a satire of eighteenth-century British society.

The New Dictionary of Cultural Literacy, Third Edition Copyright © 2005 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Dictionary.com | Meanings & Definitions of English Words

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Satire definition: the use of irony, sarcasm, ridicule, or the like, to expose, denounce, or deride the folly or corruption of institutions, people, or social structures. See examples of SATIRE used in a sentence.

# data[].attributes.body
https://www.vocabulary.com/dictionary/satire

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Test prep from the experts

Boost your test score with programs developed by Vocabulary.com's experts.

Proven methods: Learn faster, remember longer with our scientific approach.

Personalized plan: We customize your experience to maximize your learning.

Strategic studying: Focus on the words that are most crucial for success.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Boost your test score with programs developed by Vocabulary.com's experts. Proven methods: Learn faster, remember longer with our scientific approach. Personalized plan: We customize your experience to maximize your learning. Strategic studying: Focus on the words that are most crucial for success.

# data[].attributes.body
https://dictionary.cambridge.org/dictionary/english/bias

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
The following is the author's position on the subject, admittedly biased by a structural engineering background.

However, differences in these biases from one epidemic season to another are unlikely.

The fluid particles avoid moving near the fixed wall y = 0, so that as they emerge from the origin they are biased towards the vertical.

These examples are from corpora and from sources on the web. Any opinions in the examples do not represent the opinion of the Cambridge Dictionary editors or of Cambridge University Press or its licensors.

bias

These are words often used in combination with bias.

Click on a collocation to see more examples of it.

ascertainment bias

The relatively low number of reports of patients with deletions may therefore be a result of ascertainment bias.

attentional bias

The results of the study are interpreted as a consolidation and extension of previous research on attentional bias and emotional disorder in younger participants.

These examples are from corpora and from sources on the web. Any opinions in the examples do not represent the opinion of the Cambridge Dictionary editors or of Cambridge University Press or its licensors.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
BIAS definition: 1. the action of supporting or opposing a particular person or thing in an unfair way, because of.... Learn more.

# data[].attributes.body
https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/bias

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
The meaning of BIAS is an inclination of temperament or outlook; especially : a personal and sometimes unreasoned judgment : prejudice. How to use bias in a sentence. Bias vs. Biased Synonym Discussion of Bias.

# data[].attributes.body
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Misinformation#:~:text=Misinformation%20is%20incorrect%20or%20misleading,be%20either%20true%20or%20false.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
mis·​in·​for·​ma·​tion | \ ˌmis-ˌin-fər-ˈmā-shən \

: incorrect or misleading information Indubitably, a great deal of paranoid and otherwise irresponsible misinformation about the Kennedy assassination has traveled far and sold well ... A muddle of misinformation keeps clouding the debate over hormone-replacement therapy for women. Each of these pieces of information (and misinformation) about me is sold for about two-fifths of a cent to advertisers, which then deliver me an Internet ad, send me a catalog or mail me a credit-card offer.

Name that Thing: Flower Edition

Name that flower

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
mis·​in·​for·​ma·​tion | \ ˌmis-ˌin-fər-ˈmā-shən \ : incorrect or misleading information Indubitably, a great deal of paranoid and otherwise irresponsible misinformation about the Kennedy assassination has traveled far and sold well ... A muddle of misinformation keeps clouding the debate over hormone-replacement therapy for women.