The way we consume news is changing dramatically. Hoppy Kercheval effectively illustrated how younger generations increasingly rely on social media, particularly TikTok, and influencers for their information.
Today’s social media landscape is filled with misinformation, AI-generated deep fakes, and algorithms that prioritize content users already prefer. Social media personalities, striving to make a name for themselves, often promote questionable content, sensationalizing current events to distinguish themselves and attract more clicks.
While media has evolved, allowing anyone to become a reporter or commentator, human nature has remained consistent. The urge to use popular media to advance a political agenda or stretch the boundaries of “truth” to attract consumers was just as strong 250 years ago, when the nation was founded.
It is true that the Founding Fathers would be astonished by today’s social media environment. However, the media of their time played a crucial role in the American Revolution. Early newspapers and pamphlets were established to influence politics. Thomas Paine’s Common Sense is a prime example, having sold over 120,000 copies and significantly shaping public opinion about the revolution.
Instead of debates occurring on platforms like X (formerly Twitter), discussions took place through pamphlets. This medium was cost-effective and allowed for easy dissemination of information. The subject of those pamphlets often became topics of conversation at town halls and pubs.
Early American newspapers differed fundamentally from those we know today. Both the Federalist Party and the Republican Party in the late 1790s and early 1800s sponsored newspapers to communicate with members and promote their agendas.
The 19th century introduced the era of Yellow Journalism, highlighted by the rivalry between William Randolph Hearst and Joseph Pulitzer, who competed to publish the most sensational stories and, consequently, sell more newspapers. Public sentiment was often manipulated through emotionally charged, one-sided, and fabricated narratives. True events were exaggerated, and sensational headlines pressured political leaders to take action.
Does this sound familiar?
This era eventually led journalists and publications to emphasize objective reporting to regain public trust, which allowed Yellow Journalism to fade into the 20th century.
Fast forward to the 21st century, and not much has changed. Instead of pamphlets and newspapers, those seeking to shape public opinion now use videos on TikTok, posts on Instagram, or rants on Facebook to convey their messages.
Like the pamphlets of the 18th century, it is inexpensive and easy to publish information on the internet and social media. This accessibility has also given rise to independent journalists who produce thought-provoking investigative pieces often overlooked by mainstream editors due to space limitations.
Today’s media landscape is challenging to navigate, but, to some extent, it has always been the consumer’s responsibility to discern who is trying to manipulate them and push an agenda and who is genuinely attempting to report the news objectively.
This responsibility remains unchanged, whether discussing pamphlets or TikToks.