The Impact of Fox News on Viewer Perception and Reality
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The Illusion of the Fox News Viewer
The phrase "Fox News Viewer" often serves as a humorous jab at individuals seemingly detached from reality, enveloped in a bubble of curated misinformation. This notion is widely recognized, although those who tune into Fox may not fully grasp it.
On April 4, quotes surfaced from an upcoming book by New York Times journalists Alexander Burns and Jonathan Martin. The opening lines from a CNN article state that President Joe Biden viewed Fox News as "one of the most destructive forces in the United States." Moreover, Biden reportedly described Rupert Murdoch, Fox Corp's founder, as "the most dangerous man in the world."
This isn't groundbreaking information for those who critically analyze Fox News's societal impact, as many would likely concur with Biden's assessment.
Is it possible to change the perspectives of those deeply entrenched in this media landscape? A recent study provides a glimmer of hope.
Experimenting with Fox News Viewers
The study, titled "The manifold effects of partisan media on viewers’ beliefs and attitudes: A field experiment with Fox News viewers," involved a fascinating approach.
In 2020, researchers targeted regular viewers of Fox News through a survey panel, primarily consisting of conservative and staunch Republican participants. From a pool of 763 candidates, they randomly selected 40% and offered them $15 an hour to watch up to 7 hours of CNN weekly during September 2020, specifically during their usual Fox News viewing times.
To verify their engagement, researchers posed questions about the CNN content viewed, such as identifying guests on the shows.
What Were the Findings?
After analyzing responses from all 763 participants—both those who watched CNN and those who continued with Fox News—the results were telling.
Participants who switched to CNN exhibited significant shifts in their perceived priorities and attitudes. This indicated that the media consumed can profoundly shape what individuals deem important. Changes in opinions about COVID-19, as well as evaluations of Trump and other Republican candidates, were also noted.
Traditionally, it was believed that highly engaged partisans would dismiss conflicting information. However, this study's results suggest otherwise: hardcore Fox viewers were influenced simply by watching CNN instead.
Of course, the financial incentive of $15 per hour played a role in their participation.
The findings strongly emphasize the dangers posed by Fox News to democratic values. The network's tendency to distort facts and spread misinformation can have serious repercussions on public opinion.
What Occurred After Returning to Fox News?
Several weeks after the CNN viewing concluded, a follow-up survey revealed that attitudes among participants reverted to their original state, demonstrating the transient nature of this exposure.
Meanwhile, in the political arena, Biden maintains a relatively quiet stance on Fox News despite acknowledging its issues privately. An amusing incident last January showcased Biden's candid thoughts when he was caught on a hot mic referring to a Fox reporter as “a stupid son of a bitch” after a particularly frustrating question.
Biden's awareness of Fox's influence is evident, yet he often chooses a dignified and humorous approach in public discussions, even quipping about using Fox News to gauge his popularity.
Strategies for Addressing the Fox News Dilemma
Rather than resorting to extreme measures reminiscent of authoritarian regimes, what can be done to address the challenges posed by Fox News?
One effective strategy involves advocating for more widespread advertising boycotts. Companies that advertise on Fox News should be encouraged to withdraw their support. Such action would hold them accountable for perpetuating misinformation.
Individuals can also take steps to express their discontent. For those with cable subscriptions, contacting providers to request the removal of Fox News can send a clear message. If providers refuse, consider canceling the service and explaining your rationale.
With the decline of traditional cable, exploring streaming options that better align with personal values is a viable alternative. Paying for Fox News, whether as a viewer or through subscriptions, is increasingly untenable.
As journalist Margaret Sullivan aptly noted in a January 2021 column, considering Fox's role in the loss of 400,000 U.S. lives to the pandemic and the events of January 6, labeling it as "deadly" is justified.
To effectively communicate with Fox News's leadership, it is essential to speak their language: the language of financial consequences.
The pandemic's toll has tragically escalated, with nearly 1 million lives lost due to the blatant COVID misinformation propagated by Fox News.
Questions for Reflection
- How do you personally view Fox News? If your perspective differs from the one presented, I would be keen to hear your reasoning.
- If you share the sentiments expressed, what actions do you believe should be taken regarding Fox News?
- If compensated to watch Fox News for a month, do you think your worldview would shift as a result?
Chapter 2: The Experiment that Changed Perspectives
This video explores the remarkable experiment where participants were incentivized to switch from Fox News to CNN, revealing surprising changes in beliefs and attitudes.
Chapter 3: Understanding the Influence of Media
In this insightful video, discover how viewers may be unaware that Fox News shapes their perceptions, highlighting the importance of media literacy.