Long gone are the days when Americans gathered around their one television set to watch the evening news together or wait for the morning paper to read about what’s happening in the world. Today, we get our news all day, in multiple ways from various sources.
As the media landscape has changed— a new trend is emerging, what PEW Research calls “news influencers.” These are journalists who are not affiliated with a news organization but share news and commentary on social media or through other outlets like podcasts or newsletters.
One in five Americans get their news this way— and that number almost doubles (37%) when for those under 30. What does this mean and why does it matter?
First, there are hundreds, probably thousands, of sources of information who want your attention and will use it to influence you in one way or another.
Second, we have the power to choose our news, and we do. If we don’t like what one channel, or show or YouTuber is saying, we can easily switch over to another one. Even if we don’t intentionally do this, algorithms on every social media outlet will eventually do it for us.
This democratization of the news can be helpful and in the public interest— when it rewards those who are doing good work. But it can also create echo chambers where we all just listen and watch those with whom we already agree. My news may not be your news. We may learn entirely different things about the same topic or event.
I am talking about who we follow— not just on Instagram or X. But literally, who are we following in life? Who are we allowing to shape us, and our view of the world?
Let’s be discerning and wise about what we let into our hearts and minds. Here’s how.
Choose good news
People often ask me what outlets I rely on to put together Mornings with Carmen. I’ve written about this before, but it bears repeating. I am not offering a carte blanche seal of approval of everything reported, posted or shared, but here are some quality news outlets that I use and generally trust. Some also approach reporting from a Christian worldview. Again— be discerning about all of it.
- Axios https://www.axios.com/
- The1440 https://join1440.com/
- DenisonForum https://www.denisonforum.org/
- ThePourOver https://signup.thepourover.org/
Ask the question: Who is influencing me?
No matter if you get your news from a major cable night news show or your Facebook stories, it is worth pausing to wonder— who is influencing me? What is shaping my heart, my mind, my character? How are these “news influencers” influencing my beliefs about my neighbor, the world and my own role in it?
Think about what you are thinking about
That’s basically the entire premise of Mornings with Carmen and our other ministry resources. Don’t be a passive consumer. Don’t put your faith aside when reading or thinking about the news. My mission is to help you think biblically so you can re-present Christ in your conversations. Many of our “conversations” are happening online— what you post, like and repost. You may not be speaking, but if you are a Christian, you are representing Christ. Because of that, it may be time to reassess your media diet. I’ve done several interviews on the topic of media consumption.
Everything on God’s Word
We could never cover every possibility or eventuality— particularly as news and information is flying at us from all sorts of sources. But the Holy Spirit, through God’s Word, is our ultimate guide on all things, and He will help us discern what is worthy of our time and attention.
As you consume news, take an active role in evaluating it. Run it through the Philippians 4:8 “diagnostic” of something fitting for a believer:
“Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.”
Make this verse top of mind, memorize it, put it someplace you will see it often— printed or on your phone. Let it be your guide on what fills up your mind today.
Resource: Biblical Media Diagnostic
Whatever is true,
Is it factual and accurate? And, does it tell us the truth about the world? (as in: does it reflect reality of the real sovereignty of God, the fallenness of man, and need for redemption and the one true source of our hope)
Whatever is honorable (noble),
Does it deserve our respect and time? Are we intentionally reading for information, or are we mindlessly scrolling and unintentionally consuming all sorts of messages without paying attention to them?
Whatever is just,
Does it deal rightly with different viewpoints and perspectives? Or is it full of strawman arguments, stereotypes and exaggerations?
Whatever is pure,
Is the content clean and thoughtful– or is it full of derogatory terms, profanity and questionable language?
Whatever is lovely,
Does it reflect qualities of God’s character– His beauty, goodness and truth? Or does it try to define as “good” what God has called sin?
Whatever is commendable,
Is it helpful or harmful? As in, does it lead me to do good? Or toward fear, hate and anger?
….if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.
