Media Landscape & Storytelling - Journalism often condenses complex personal stories into short, third-person narratives, potentially losing nuance and context [2][3][8] - The media tends to frame stories from underrepresented communities within three narrative boxes: the tragic victim, the dangerous threat, and the inspirational exception [10][11][12] - Oversimplification and reliance on stereotypes can lead to inaccurate and harmful portrayals of communities, as seen in the coverage of asylum seekers [9][13][15] Impact of Technology & Audience Engagement - Technology has accelerated news delivery, but also allows audiences to respond and engage with media content rapidly [17] - Clicks alone do not determine the newsworthiness of a story; audience engagement and critical evaluation are crucial [17][18] - The illusory truth effect suggests that repeated exposure to information, even if false, can lead to its acceptance as truth [15] Recommendations for Media Consumers - Engage with media outlets directly by providing feedback and insights instead of solely relying on public comments [19][20] - Be intentional about sharing content, pausing to consider the purpose and potential impact of the information [21][22] - Support in-depth journalism through long-form reads, documentaries, and investigative podcasts [22][23] - Seek out and amplify the voices of individuals with lived experience, regardless of mainstream media coverage [23][24]