MY TOP 5 NEWS SOURCES

When I opened my Apple News app this morning, for just a few dollars I was able to view hundreds of articles about every topic imaginable: politics, food, international relations, fashion! I have a world of information at my fingertips, and it comes with some drawbacks. While I believe that people should be aware of current political issues, international issues, health and wellness, and environmental issues, I also understand that with the rise of social media the consumption of news has entirely changed. During the pandemic I struggled immensely with anxiety because I was on my phone, subscribed to five different newspapers, checking every hour for new information about the virus. I found that, in that situation, consuming news daily was not good for me. I took a step back from consuming news and reading it daily. Eventually, I came back to it and have re-subscribed to some newspapers but I do not read them daily, though I try my best.

 When I do read my newspapers the top few newspapers/magazines that I read are the Wall Street Journal, the Guardian, National Geographic, Vanity Fair, and I watch Good Morning America. I try to have a variety of new sources because I understand that certain companies have certain biases, but I also am not certain how to avoid bias entirely when looking through the news.  

The first source of news that I use the most is the Wall Street Journal. I have been subscribed to it for well over a year now and I think it does a wonderful job of constantly and consistently updating the public on topics from tech, to politics. I think it covers a wide variety of sources and I appreciate the consistent updating that they do of their information. 

Next, I read the Guardian. I honestly do not notice an immense difference between the content of the Wall Street Journal and the Guardian, though maybe I am not well-read enough on them to do so. I prefer the Guardian's approach to international news coverage because I think it is more thorough, and usually covers topics that are less well covered like their topic on the global economic recession recovery, particularly focusing their information in various countries in Africa. (Guardian Article Mentioned) I do not read the Guardian every day, however.

My next source is entirely inspired by my sister, who is an environmental science major. I tend to read National Geographic whenever she sends the articles or links to me through text. Whether she is sending me information about ocean acidification or national park trails re-opening, there is always information that I find appealing and interesting to read about. It is different, and sometimes less “tragic “than the typical daily news. I find it a breath of fresh air. For example, new flying squirrels were discovered! (National Geographic Article).

Next, as my "fun" source of news, I typically read Vanity Fair. This is an entirely self-indulgent process in which I am reading about fashion trends, nail inspiration, hair care tips, and more. While the information does not hold as much levity as international relations, I think it is still important to be educated on self-care. This information is not necessarily important information to learn but I find it helpful in my day-to-day life. 

Finally, if I wake up early enough, my mom is sometimes watching Good Morning America. If I catch her in the morning early enough we can watch it together and usually it covers a wide range of topics. I like the cheerful energy that the hosts maintain. 

My news consumption is not entirely mature or well-rounded enough, and I hope to change that. While I know I will continue to read Vanity Fair regardless, I would also like to deepen my cultural understanding and general knowledge of the world through expanding my news consumption.