10. Sharon McMahon on Confirmation Bias, Misinformation, and Navigating News and Social Media

How do we better control misinformation floating around social media? Which news sources should you trust? How do you find middle ground with someone on a topic that you do not agree on? What are the driving forces behind conspiracy theories? We are answering all of these questions and more in today’s interview with Sharon McMahon. 

 

Sharon is the mastermind behind the Instagram account @sharonsaysso, where she tackles tough government questions with non-partisan facts. She has over a decade of experience in government and law education. Sharon is passionate about teaching others how to recognize bias and empower them to feel less overwhelmed and more informed along the way.

 

In this episode we discuss:

• What biases are and how to spot them in news sources
• Our role in holding the media accountable
• How to know which sources are reputable and which are not
• Strategies for having tough conversations with people who have viewpoints that are not your own
• Why you should not be getting your news from social media

 

Resources mentioned:

• allsides.com
• Instagram: @allsidesnow
• Media Bias Chart: adfontesmedia.com
• Teach kids about bias with commonsensemedia.org
• A post shared by Partial News (@partialnews)

 

Connect with Sharon:

• Instagram: @sharonsaysso
• website: sharonmcmahon.com
• Government for Grownups Workshops

 

Connect with me on Instagram @motherhoodmeetsmedicine. For full show notes, head to lynzyandco.com/motherhood-meets-medicine-the-podcast/

 

Join the Motherhood Meets Medicine community at patreon.com/motherhoodmeetsmedicine.

 

Disclaimer: This podcast does not provide medical advice. The information on this podcast is for informational purposes only. No material on this site is intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. 

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