How Simply Getting People to Follow Mainstream News Can Boost Their Truth-Telling Skills
I recently came across a study that caught my attention. It showed that simply getting people to follow mainstream news accounts on Instagram and WhatsApp for just two weeks can actually improve their ability to tell true stories from false ones—and it even increases their trust in the news.
Why Does Following Mainstream News Matter?
At first, it might sound obvious that staying updated on news helps you get the facts right. But in our noisy online world, where misinformation can spread like wildfire, it’s not so simple. This study points out how a small nudge—encouraging people to follow verified and trustworthy news sources—can help.
The researchers set up a controlled experiment where one group was asked to follow mainstream news channels on social media platforms like Instagram and WhatsApp. After two weeks, their ability to distinguish true news from false stories improved noticeably compared to those who didn’t follow these accounts. Even better, this simple action helped rebuild some trust in the news media, which is often in short supply these days.
What Makes this Finding So Interesting?
We often think solving misinformation requires complex tools—fact-checking apps, media literacy courses, or complicated algorithms. But this experiment suggests that a simple behavioral nudge—simply getting people to follow mainstream news sources—can have a meaningful impact.
Think of it like adding a little reliable signal to the chaotic noise we see on social media every day. This approach gives the brain more practice in spotting what’s real and what’s fake by regularly exposing it to trustworthy news.
How You Can Try This Yourself
If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed or confused by news online, consider this a friendly tip:
- Open Instagram or WhatsApp.
- Follow a few trusted mainstream news accounts. Think established organizations with a reputation for unbiased reporting.
- Check those sources regularly for two weeks.
You might find yourself feeling more confident about spotting real stories as opposed to clickbait or fake news. It’s a simple daily habit that could make a difference.
A Story From My Own Experience
I remember when misinformation about a big health topic was spreading wildly in my social circle. People were sharing all sorts of wild theories. I told a friend about this study and suggested she follow a few reputable news accounts. After a couple of weeks, she told me she felt way more sure about what was true and even started questioning dubious posts more effectively.
What Does This Mean for Our Media Diet?
This study highlights the potential power of positive habits around media consumption. Getting into the habit of following mainstream news sources is something we can all do without much effort. It’s like strengthening a muscle—your ability to tell fact from fiction grows with consistent practice.
Want to Learn More About Fighting Misinformation?
If you’re interested in diving deeper into how media literacy can protect you online, check out some great resources like this article by the News Literacy Project.
Also, I wrote about ways to build better digital habits in an earlier post which you might find useful: [Link to related post].
Final Thoughts
Just imagine how much less misinformation we’d have if more people simply followed reliable news sources for short periods. It’s a small change made simple.
So next time you scroll through your feed, why not give this method a try? It might just sharpen your radar for truth—and boost your trust in reputable news at the same time.
