Tuesday 01-10-2024 - 00:00

Understanding bias – how to recognise bias in media narratives 

Everyone is biased — and that's okay. There's no such thing as unbiased news. But hidden media bias misleads, manipulates and divides us. So, everyone should learn how to spot media bias and come to your own conclusions. 

Types of media bias – and how to spot them 

Information provided by allsides.com 

1. Spin 

Spin is a type of media bias that means vague, dramatic or sensational language. When journalists put a “spin” on a story, they stray from objective, measurable facts. Spin is a form of media bias that clouds a reader’s view, preventing them from getting a precise take on what happened. 

Sometimes the media uses spin words and phrases to imply bad behavior. These words are often used without providing hard facts, direct quotes, or witnessed behavior: 

• Finally 
• Surfaced 
• Acknowledged 
• Emerged 
• Refusing to say 
• Conceded 
• Dodged 
• Example: 

2. Unsubstantiated Claims 

Journalists sometimes make claims in their reporting without including evidence to back them up. This can occur in the headline of an article, or in the body. 

Statements that appear to be fact, but do not include specific evidence, are a key indication of this type of media bias. 

3. Opinion Statements Presented as Facts 

Sometimes journalists use subjective language or statements under the guise of reporting objectively. Even when a media outlet presents an article as a factual and objective news piece, it may employ subjective statements or language. 

4. Sensationalism/Emotionalism 

Sensationalism is a type of media bias in which information is presented in a way that gives a shock or makes a deep impression. Often it gives readers a false sense of culmination, that all previous reporting has led to this ultimate story. 

Sensationalist language is often dramatic, yet vague. It often involves hyperbole — at the expense of accuracy — or warping reality to mislead or provoke a strong reaction in the reader. 

• Shocking 

• Remarkable 

• Rips 

• Chaotic 

 

5. Mudslinging/ ad hominem 

Mudslinging is a type of media bias when unfair or insulting things are said about someone in order to damage their reputation. Similarly, ad hominem (Latin for “to the person”) attacks are attacks on a person’s motive or character traits instead of the content of their argument or idea. Ad hominem attacks can be used overtly, or as a way to subtly discredit someone without having to engage with their argument. 

6. Mind Reading 

Mind reading is a type of media bias that occurs in journalism when a writer assumes they know what another person thinks, or thinks that the way they see the world reflects the way the world really is. 

7. Slant 

Slant is a type of media bias that describes when journalists tell only part of a story, or when they highlight, focus on, or play up one particular angle or piece of information. It can include cherry-picking information or data to support one side, or ignoring another perspective. Slant prevents readers from getting the full story, and narrows the scope of our understanding. 

8. Flawed Logic 

Flawed logic or faulty reasoning is a way to misrepresent people’s opinions or to arrive at conclusions that are not justified by the given evidence. Flawed logic can involve jumping to conclusions or arriving at a conclusion that doesn’t follow from the premise. 

9. Bias by Omission 

Bias by omission is a type of media bias in which media outlets choose not to cover certain stories, omit information that would support an alternative viewpoint, or omit voices and perspectives on the other side. 

10. Omission of Source Attribution 

Omission of source attribution is when a journalist does not back up their claims by linking to the source of that information. An informative, balanced article should provide the background or context of a story, including naming sources (publishing “on-the-record” information). 

11. Bias by Story Choice and Placement 

Bias by story choice is when a media outlet's bias is revealed by which stories the outlet chooses to cover or to omit.   

Bias by story placement is one type of bias by placement. The stories that a media outlet features "above the fold" or prominently on its homepage and in print show which stories they really want you to read, even if you read nothing else on the site or in the publication. 

12. Subjective Qualifying Adjectives 

Journalists can reveal bias when they include subjective, qualifying adjectives in front of specific words or phrases. Qualifying adjectives are words that characterize or attribute specific properties to a noun. When a journalist uses qualifying adjectives, they are suggesting a way for you to think about or interpret the issue, instead of just giving you the facts and letting you make judgements for yourself. This can manipulate your view. Subjective qualifiers are closely related to spin words and phrases, because they obscure the objective truth and insert subjectivity. 

13. Word Choice 

Words and phrases are loaded with political implications. The words or phrases a media outlet uses can reveal their perspective or ideology. 

E.g.,  

• pro-choice | anti-choice 

• pro-abortion | anti-abortion 

• gun rights | gun control 

• riot | protest 

• illegal immigrants | migrants 

14. Photo Bias 

Photos can be used to shape the perception, emotions or takeaway a reader will have regarding a person or event. Sometimes a photo can give a hostile or favorable impression of the subject. 

Obama appears stern or angry — with his hand raised, brows furrowed, and mouth wide, it looks like maybe he’s yelling. The implication is that the news about the Obamacare ruling is something that would enrage Obama. 

15. Elite v. Populist Bias 

Elite bias is when journalists defer to the beliefs, viewpoints, and perspectives of people who are part of society's most prestigious, credentialed institutions — such as academic institutions, government agencies, business executives, or nonprofit organizations.  

Populist bias, on the other hand, is a bias in which the journalist defers to the perspectives, beliefs, or viewpoints of those who are outside of or dissent from prestigious institutions — such as "man on the street" stories, small business owners, less prestigious institutions, and people who live outside of major urban centers. 

Elite Bias: This article emphasizes the guidance and perspectives of major government agencies and professors at elite universities. 

Populist Bias: In this opinion piece, journalist Naomi Wolf pushes back against elite government agencies, saying they can't be trusted. 

Some final points on bias 

Everyone is biased – either consciously or unconsciously. It is part of human nature to have differing opinions and preferences. But it is important that this bias does not become invisible to us, and we know how to detect it. 

Don’t let bias manipulate or blind you – use this article (and other online resources) to get the whole view, and independently assess the sources you read.