My Top 5 Sources of News

1. Social Media  

Despite the continuous jab about using social media as a new source, the algorithms used are effective in spreading topics to a larger audience than if they were only displayed on a news channel. Platforms such as Instagram, Facebook, and even Snapchat love to give out tiny pieces of information, just juicy enough to compel the viewer into wanting to know more. Most of my knowledge about any relevant news/topics comes from these social media handles simply because they are the most accessible and entertaining methods that grab your attention and keep you hooked. 

2. Google 

Google's vast ocean of information is what makes it such a target for any confused individual wanting to know anything about any topic that has ever existed. Because it has so much data across its multiverse of websites and hyperlinks, Google frames itself as the "be all, know all" of the internet. As a kid I was always relieved when I saw my answer at the top of the Google page in its own box because that's how I knew I had found what I was looking for. It's not entirely accurate to say that Google is a perfect source of media, but it certainly is a great tool that, when used correctly, can be a valuable resource on almost every occasion. 

3. Family Members 

From finding out there's no school because of snow to knowing if a store was actually closing for good, when I wanted to know if something was true, I would run to my family for the answer. Both my mom and my cousin have been some of my most prominent sources of receiving information. Sometimes, hearing news from a familiar face that you trust makes it easier to digest an outrageous piece of information. If I'm unsure about something I hear in the news, one of my first instincts is to double-check what I hear with someone I know and trust completely, giving me a slight ease of mind on something that would otherwise leave me skeptical. 

4. Local News Stations 

Growing up less than an hour from Boston, there were a couple of news stations that had become a staple on my living room TV. WCVB Channel 5 and NBC10 Boston were on practically every morning. I enjoy local stations because they provide updates that are more meaningful and relevant to a person because they show news that more directly impacts the viewer based on their surroundings. This is one of the ways I can get a better sense of what is happening around me and keeps me connected to the outside world in an easier way. 

5. The New York Times 

The New York Times is a timeless creation that has been publishing the latest news for over a century now. Over time, they have transformed from one of the most popular newspapers to a modern media sensation that not only shares reliable news articles but also has a series of additions, such as games (Wordle, Connections, etc.) and comedy strips. To this day, I still use The New York Times when I'm looking for details on the newest updates on current global affairs.