Why do alot of people get their opinions directly from the media?

Question

I've seen way too many people on here (and clearly through polls as well) that repeat ESPN's talking points as if that counts for expertise. Then, these people usually criticize anybody who actually thinks for themselves because that person doesn't agree with ESPN.

Why do people merely copy what the media thinks? It doesn't make alot of sense. Why not think on your own for once? I barely read the analysts and just follow the legitimate news and occasionally some rumors to make judgments. Why does it seem that many are incapable of doing this? Do they choose to copy the media because they lack any critical thinking ability of their own? Or is it because they want to appear more knowlegeable than they are? Or something else entirely?

Answer 1

Many of them, do not have an imagination, or thought process of their own, and when they read, or hear something, they think it must be gods gospel.

Answer 2

Unfortunately for the majority of people (say 80%) are too lazy to use the stuff between their ears. So, instead of thinking for themselves, they just repeat what they hear on the media.

There is a study on a phenomenon called 'GROUPTHINK'. This happens when a majority of a group has an opinion, the rest feel the peer-pressure and agree to the majority's opinion, even if it is obviously wrong. This also happens when a source that is considered an authority figure, such as a public leader or a public news/media gives information. That information is usually taken as 'fact' by the majority within the group. Any minority opinion is considered heresy, even if the opinion is correct and factual.

Answer 3

My opinion is (and this pertains to everything, not just ESPN) is that we are force-fed so much information that most of us can't differentiate between what has been shoved in to our brains and our own thoughts. A lot of people have had so much information shoved into their heads that they don't even try to form their own thoughts anymore, they just parrot what they've heard or read. Look at any news broadcast. It's not enough just to hear the reporter talk about whatever story he/she is reporting, we have scrolling news bits running across the bottom of the screen at the same time, talking about something completely different. Very annoying. Too many people take what they hear on TV, the radio, the internet, as gospel, written in stone. And quoting famous people (even TV news reporters) seems to make people feel they have indisputable proof that they are right. Why form our own opinions when there are so many "experts" to do our thinking for us?

Answer 4

I think this is because everyone has let TV consume their lives. When you watch TV and do less creative activities, you let what you see on TV control your actions and way of thinking. Everyone needs to massage their creativeness every now and again.

I also believe that people are so scared of what others think of how they personally think that they will go with the majority. People actually respect those more who have their own views. Well at least I do.

Answer 5

it's not that complicated or unreasonable when you think about it. the real mark of the internet is that it created a sunami of information that has us deluged with digital stimuli from media competition. it's always been about being the first to get the message out and now we have stories about anything happening anywhere as it happens. people are directly influenced by what they see, which is why are media is image driven, as opposed to the pre 1980's which was headline driven. people actually had to READ and make the effort to search out news, now they get it jammed down their throats and it takes effort to sort it out and pay attention instead of being instantly swayed by flashy video and glib punchlines.

Answer 6

remark relating to the 'diaper rash'. do you already know what proportion chemical compounds are in disposables? those are greater probable to furnish slightly one a rash than a fabric diaper. easily diaper creams did not flow mainstream till disposable diapers, till now then mothers and fathers did not decide for them plenty. Google "Pampers Chemical Burn". It replaced into throughout Fox information till now this 3 hundred and sixty 5 days.

Answer 7

That's because people tend to get their "information" from the media and they think that their favorite media figures are all experts.

Answer 8

Majority of people are sheep, those who go against the bad press of a team are loyal.

Answer 9

because that is the only place were they look they dont look at whats actually going on they dont look at how the teams been playing just what espn says using your example and they dont really care their right and your wrong and thats about it

Answer 10

Well for the most part I feel those ppl have no idea what the heck is going on and so they repeat what they hear thinking that will make them seem like a pro..................................... NOT!