How Media Manipulates with Outrage

The Dr. Bo Show with Bo Bennett, PhD

The Dr. Bo Show is a critical thinking-, reason-, and science-based approach to issues that matter. It is the podcast of social psychologist Bo Bennett. This podcast is a collection of topics related to all of his books. The podcast episodes, depending on the episode, are hosted by either Dr. Bennett or Jerry Sage, discussing the work of Dr. Bennett.

Hello, everyone! I'm Jerry Sage, your host for this episode, filling in for Dr. Bennett. Today, we're diving into an interesting topic: how media, especially the independent and non-mainstream outlets, often manipulate us with manufactured outrage. We'll explore how this impacts our well-being and what we can do to navigate this media landscape with a clear and critical mind.

Understanding Manufactured Outrage

Let's start by defining what we mean by manufactured outrage. This is when media outlets use sensationalism to provoke strong emotional reactions from their audience. They do this by presenting worst-case scenarios as probable, selectively reporting the darkest aspects of issues, and filling stories with half-truths—all wrapped in a click-baity headline. This strategy isn't just limited to traditional media; in fact, it's often more pronounced in independent and non-mainstream outlets. These platforms don't always feel the need to appear fair and balanced, which can lead to even more skewed reporting.

Why Outrage Sells

Outrage is a powerful emotion. It captures attention and keeps us engaged. Media companies, driven by the need for revenue, capitalize on this by producing content that triggers outrage, leading to more clicks, shares, and ultimately, more money. The cycle is self-perpetuating: the more outraged we become, the more content we consume, and the more content is produced to keep us outraged.

The Impact on Well-being

Being constantly exposed to outrage-inducing content can be detrimental to our mental health. It can lead to increased stress, anxiety, and even depression. When we allow ourselves to be swept up in this cycle of outrage, we may find it difficult to focus on the more positive aspects of life. This is why it's crucial to be aware of how media manipulates our emotions and to take active steps to protect our well-being.

Staying Informed Without the Drama

So, how can we stay informed without falling into the trap of manufactured outrage? Here are a few tips:

• Stick to Fact-Based Reporting: Choose news sources that prioritize factual reporting over opinion pieces.
• Be Critical: Always question the motives behind the headlines and stories. Why is this being reported in this way?
• Diversify Your Sources: Get your news from a variety of outlets to get a more balanced view.
• Limit Exposure: Set boundaries on how much time you spend consuming news, especially if you notice it affecting your mood.

Final Thoughts

In a world where outrage can be manufactured at the click of a button, it's more important than ever to approach media with a critical eye. By being aware of the tactics used to provoke outrage, we can better protect our mental health and focus on what truly matters.

For more insights and resources on critical thinking, logic, and reasoning, feel free to visit Dr. Bennett's bookstore. You'll find a wide range of materials to help you navigate the complexities of today's media landscape.