# Why do most people believe everything from the media **URL:** \ **Category:** In My Humble Opinion\ **Created:** [June 23, 2017, 4:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-most-people-believe-everything-from-the-media/789690 "2017-06-23T16:15:33Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 2
**Author:** ![Whiskey\_Dickens](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/w/9fc348/32.png) [@Whiskey\_Dickens](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Whiskey_Dickens)\ **Post date:** [June 23, 2017, 6:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-most-people-believe-everything-from-the-media/789690/21 "2017-06-23T18:38:03Z")
> [@miketx](#): > > I see it all the time. People quoting a “link” and the defending it as fact when they have no idea if it’s true or not. > > why do you believe your link? _tokes_ Oh man, like, what if everything was an illusion? We believe the link because Gallup has earned a reputation for being a credible pollster. ---
**Author:** ![miketx](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/ebca7d/32.png) [@miketx](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/miketx)\ **Post date:** [June 23, 2017, 6:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-most-people-believe-everything-from-the-media/789690/22 "2017-06-23T18:41:31Z")
> [@Little\_Nemo](#): > > The best thing to do is get your information from a variety of sources and see if they’re all generally saying the same thing. Unless you want to believe in conspiracies, the reason they’re all in agreement is because they’re all independently reporting the same truth. I realize that can be uncomfortable if you like what Rasmussen is telling you and don’t like what all the other polls are saying. But living in an uncomfortable reality is better than living in a comfortable fantasy. The majority of the media are trying to shape opinion and are against Trump. I’ll go so far as to say they are against America. They want to keep illegals flooding us, they want to keep letting potential terrorist in, and they want to feed people crap while they do it. The media are engaging in acts of terror, imo, against Americans by twisting and lying daily about what is going on in this country. So I don’t believe much in the way of news. ---
**Author:** ![Procrustus](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/procrustus/32/2994_2.png) [@Procrustus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Procrustus)\ **Post date:** [June 23, 2017, 6:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-most-people-believe-everything-from-the-media/789690/23 "2017-06-23T18:42:48Z")
> [@miketx](#): > > The majority of the media are trying to shape opinion and are against Trump. I’ll go so far as to say they are against America. They want to keep illegals flooding us, they want to keep letting potential terrorist in, and they want to feed people crap while they do it. > > The media are engaging in acts of terror, imo, against Americans by twisting and lying daily about what is going on in this country. So I don’t believe much in the way of news. Against Trump = pro America. But whatever. ---
**Author:** ![running\_coach](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/running_coach/32/15836_2.png) [@running\_coach](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/running_coach)\ **Post date:** [June 23, 2017, 6:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-most-people-believe-everything-from-the-media/789690/24 "2017-06-23T18:43:50Z")
> [@miketx](#): > > The majority of the media are trying to shape opinion and are against Trump. I’ll go so far as to say they are against America. They want to keep illegals flooding us, they want to keep letting potential terrorist in, and they want to feed people crap while they do it. > > The media are engaging in acts of terror, imo, against Americans by twisting and lying daily about what is going on in this country. So I don’t believe much in the way of news. Can you link to a source that verifies all this? ---
**Author:** ![Czarcasm](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/czarcasm/32/4050_2.png) [@Czarcasm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Czarcasm)\ **Post date:** [June 23, 2017, 6:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-most-people-believe-everything-from-the-media/789690/25 "2017-06-23T18:44:43Z")
> [@miketx](#): > > I don’t care if you believe me or not. I just assumed in my short time here there were some smart people here. Perhaps I was mistaken? Smart enough to ask for specific examples when vague and/or overly broad assertions are made. ---
**Author:** ![Red\_Wiggler](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/red_wiggler/32/13190_2.png) [@Red\_Wiggler](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Red_Wiggler)\ **Post date:** [June 23, 2017, 6:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-most-people-believe-everything-from-the-media/789690/26 "2017-06-23T18:45:00Z")
> [@miketx](#): > > The majority of the media are trying to shape opinion and are against Trump. I’ll go so far as to say they are against America. They want to keep illegals flooding us, they want to keep letting potential terrorist in, and they want to feed people crap while they do it. > > The media are engaging in acts of terror, imo, against Americans by twisting and lying daily about what is going on in this country. So I don’t believe much in the way of news. Ah, this explains much. What is the motive for this destruction of America? ---
**Author:** ![Czarcasm](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/czarcasm/32/4050_2.png) [@Czarcasm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Czarcasm)\ **Post date:** [June 23, 2017, 6:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-most-people-believe-everything-from-the-media/789690/27 "2017-06-23T18:45:57Z")
> [@miketx](#): > > The majority of the media are trying to shape opinion and are against Trump. I’ll go so far as to say they are against America. They want to keep illegals flooding us, they want to keep letting potential terrorist in, and they want to feed people crap while they do it. > > The media are engaging in acts of terror, imo, against Americans by twisting and lying daily about what is going on in this country. So I don’t believe much in the way of news. And what sources of information _do_ you believe? ---
**Author:** ![BeepKillBeep](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/9e8a1a/32.png) [@BeepKillBeep](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BeepKillBeep)\ **Post date:** [June 23, 2017, 6:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-most-people-believe-everything-from-the-media/789690/28 "2017-06-23T18:46:15Z")
> [@miketx](#): > > The majority of the media are trying to shape opinion and are against Trump. I’ll go so far as to say they are against America. They want to keep illegals flooding us, they want to keep letting potential terrorist in, and they want to feed people crap while they do it. > > The media are engaging in acts of terror, imo, against Americans by twisting and lying daily about what is going on in this country. So I don’t believe much in the way of news. Twisting opinion against Trump isn’t very hard. Trump does a very good job of it all by himself. Everything he says and does belies a person who is lying, ignorant, arrogant and incompetent. In my view, voting for Trump was voting against the USA. ---
**Author:** ![miketx](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/ebca7d/32.png) [@miketx](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/miketx)\ **Post date:** [June 23, 2017, 6:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-most-people-believe-everything-from-the-media/789690/29 "2017-06-23T18:55:44Z")
> [@BeepKillBeep](#): > > Twisting opinion against Trump isn’t very hard. Trump does a very good job of it all by himself. Everything he says and does belies a person who is lying, ignorant, arrogant and incompetent. In my view, voting for Trump was voting against the USA. Thank you. You have just proven my point about the media fed ignorant masses that swallow everything they hear from the media. ---
**Author:** ![BeepKillBeep](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/9e8a1a/32.png) [@BeepKillBeep](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BeepKillBeep)\ **Post date:** [June 23, 2017, 6:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-most-people-believe-everything-from-the-media/789690/30 "2017-06-23T18:58:14Z")
> [@miketx](#): > > Thank you. You have just proven my point about the media fed ignorant masses that swallow everything they hear from the media. That seems unlikely as I rarely watch the news. ---
**Author:** ![Czarcasm](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/czarcasm/32/4050_2.png) [@Czarcasm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Czarcasm)\ **Post date:** [June 23, 2017, 6:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-most-people-believe-everything-from-the-media/789690/31 "2017-06-23T18:59:02Z")
> [@miketx](#): > > Thank you. You have just proven my point about the media fed ignorant masses that swallow everything they hear from the media. Is there any response that _wouldn’t_ “prove your point”? ---
**Author:** ![El\_Kabong](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/el_kabong/32/496_2.png) [@El\_Kabong](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/El_Kabong)\ **Post date:** [June 23, 2017, 6:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-most-people-believe-everything-from-the-media/789690/32 "2017-06-23T18:59:51Z")
> [@miketx](#): > > The majority of the media are trying to shape opinion and are against Trump. I’ll go so far as to say they are against America. They want to keep illegals flooding us, they want to keep letting potential terrorist in, and they want to feed people crap while they do it. > > The media are engaging in acts of terror, imo, against Americans by twisting and lying daily about what is going on in this country. So I don’t believe much in the way of news. Again, what makes your opinions credible? What is your personal expertise to render such sweeping (and as near as I can tell, grotesquely misinformed) statements? Surely you realize that statements such as the above are likely to be considered extremist by most people (not just members of this board). We now know your opinions, and you need not proceed further to restate them. What we need now are some sort of rational arguments as to why news organizations such as the Associated Press, Reuters, the BBC, MNSNBC, and CNN (named for you since you haven’t been specific) would “keep illegals flooding us, they want to keep letting potential terrorist in”, rather than doing what they ostensibly are in business do, which is report the news. ---
**Author:** ![Procrustus](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/procrustus/32/2994_2.png) [@Procrustus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Procrustus)\ **Post date:** [June 23, 2017, 7:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-most-people-believe-everything-from-the-media/789690/33 "2017-06-23T19:01:31Z")
> [@miketx](#): > > Thank you. You have just proven my point about the media fed ignorant masses that swallow everything they hear from the media. Well, watching what Trump \*says \*and what he _does_ helps too. I don’t need any media filters to conclude he’s stupid, incompetent, and dangerous. And quite an asshole to boot. The ignorant masses are the deplorable sons of bitches who voted for him. Okay, I feel better now, thanks. ---
**Author:** ![BeepKillBeep](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/9e8a1a/32.png) [@BeepKillBeep](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BeepKillBeep)\ **Post date:** [June 23, 2017, 7:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-most-people-believe-everything-from-the-media/789690/34 "2017-06-23T19:16:00Z")
> [@miketx](#): > > Thank you. You have just proven my point about the media fed ignorant masses that swallow everything they hear from the media. In addition, to rarely watching the news, I have a long proven history of skeptical and critical thinking. So I feel pretty comfortable saying that your claim about me is false. So, although, there is some small chance that you’re right, the evidence is not on your side. 1. Trump has displayed factual ignorance on many occasions. 2. Trump’s demeanor and actions are in-line with the definitions of arrogant and narcissistic. 3. Trump has been caught lying in many instances. 4. Trump does not appear to be competent in government as his presidency so far has been very unsuccessful for reasons that fall completely at his feet. One might argue that some issues may be out of his control, but he is responsible for many of the failings to date. ---
**Author:** ![El\_Kabong](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/el_kabong/32/496_2.png) [@El\_Kabong](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/El_Kabong)\ **Post date:** [June 23, 2017, 7:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-most-people-believe-everything-from-the-media/789690/35 "2017-06-23T19:19:28Z")
Perhaps this will help move the discussion along. To **miketx** : here is a recent article (Business Insider, via AOL) regarding Trump: > **[Trump's new morning ritual involves a 'venting session' to his legal team...](https://www.aol.com/article/news/2017/06/23/trumps-new-morning-ritual-involves-venting-session-legal-team-russia/22674223/)** > > The discussions usually involve an overview of recent headlines and a plan to combat the "fake news" media, White House officials told The Washington Post. Please read the article, then feel free to come back and dispute anything you feel is not factual. For example, would you say there is anything non-factual in the following passage: > [@](#): > > But White House advisers such as Kellyanne Conway say Trump has been tending to “business as usual,” despite media reports suggesting otherwise. > > “Conjecture about the mood and momentum of the West Wing is inaccurate and overwrought,” Conway told The Post. “The pace is breakneck, the trajectory upward.” Is Ms. Conway reporting a fact? How would you know? Is the reporter misstating something she said? Again, how would you know? ---
**Author:** ![Lemur866](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/lemur866/32/434_2.png) [@Lemur866](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lemur866)\ **Post date:** [June 23, 2017, 7:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-most-people-believe-everything-from-the-media/789690/36 "2017-06-23T19:24:43Z")
Why do the people in the news media want to destroy America? Isn’t that where they keep all their stuff? ---
**Author:** ![bobot](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/bobot/32/21622_2.png) [@bobot](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/bobot)\ **Post date:** [June 23, 2017, 7:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-most-people-believe-everything-from-the-media/789690/37 "2017-06-23T19:25:50Z")
Sometimes “links” go to Rick-rolls. How can anyone trust “those”? ---
**Author:** ![snoe](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/43a26b/32.png) [@snoe](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/snoe)\ **Post date:** [June 23, 2017, 7:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-most-people-believe-everything-from-the-media/789690/38 "2017-06-23T19:26:04Z")
Am I trippin’ or is this like the third new thread asking some version of “why does the MSM suck?” this week? Must be something in the water. As with the other ones, I contest the premise, and would say that “the MSM is generally and broadly trying to deceive the American people” is an extraordinary claim that requires strong evidence. JAQing off about “but how do you _knooow_ they’re not lying to you” is not evidence. ---
**Author:** ![Procrustus](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/procrustus/32/2994_2.png) [@Procrustus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Procrustus)\ **Post date:** [June 23, 2017, 7:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-most-people-believe-everything-from-the-media/789690/39 "2017-06-23T19:27:30Z")
> [@Lemur866](#): > > Why do the people in the news media want to destroy America? Isn’t that where they keep all their stuff? 1. Destroy America 2. Something Something 3. Profit! ---
**Author:** ![miketx](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/ebca7d/32.png) [@miketx](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/miketx)\ **Post date:** [June 23, 2017, 7:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-most-people-believe-everything-from-the-media/789690/40 "2017-06-23T19:41:58Z")
> [@BeepKillBeep](#): > > In addition, to rarely watching the news, I have a long proven history of skeptical and critical thinking. So I feel pretty comfortable saying that your claim about me is false. > > So, although, there is some small chance that you’re right, the evidence is not on your side. > > 1. Trump has displayed factual ignorance on many occasions. > 2. Trump’s demeanor and actions are in-line with the definitions of arrogant and narcissistic. > 3. Trump has been caught lying in many instances. > 4. Trump does not appear to be competent in government as his presidency so far has been very unsuccessful for reasons that fall completely at his feet. One might argue that some issues may be out of his control, but he is responsible for many of the failings to date. Did you determine all that yourself or did you get it from CNN? [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-most-people-believe-everything-from-the-media/789690.md?page=1) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-most-people-believe-everything-from-the-media/789690.md?page=3)