Why Americans Who Rely on Mainstream Media Tend to Be Easily Brainwashed

Introduction

In the age of information and constant news feed updates, it is noteworthy how many Americans find themselves easily swayed by mainstream media narratives. This phenomenon is not unique to the U.S., but the scale and complexity of the issue can be alarming. This article delves into the factors contributing to this ease of brainwashing, from cognitive biases to the structure and practices of mainstream media.

Cognitive Factors and Media Literacy

The majority of the American population does not possess high intelligence levels. According to various sources, an average IQ of 100 is relatively low for modern expectations. Furthermore, a significant portion of the population reads at a level consistent with a 12-year-old, and the U.S. ranks 125th in the world for literacy rates. When the bar for literacy is set so low, the average is not considered intelligent.

Many people are also raised with religious indoctrination, which can be a form of brainwashing. This predisposes them to accept further indoctrination from mainstream media more easily. When individuals are already prone to believing religious narratives, they are more likely to accept media content that aligns with their preconceived beliefs without critically evaluating it.

People often prefer stories that align with their preconceived notions, even if these stories are not entirely factual. This tendency is often referred to as the confirmation bias, where one favors information that supports their existing beliefs.

Mainstream Media Practices and Reliability

Historically, mainstream media organizations such as The New York Times, CNN, MSNBC, and NPR were held to high standards of fact-checking and reporting. However, in recent decades, there has been a concerning trend where news channels with a "news" in their titles are primarily focused on entertainment rather than factual reporting. This has created a confusing landscape where people who used to trust the news may now question its reliability.

Mainstream media organizations like The New York Times have a robust network of journalists and a culture of fact-checking. However, certain channels have deviated from these standards, making it harder for the average consumer to discern between credible and non-credible content. The disinformation landscape has become increasingly complex, contributing to a breakdown in trust and a proliferation of misleading information.

Social Media and False Credibility

Social media has become a crucial part of the information landscape, but it can also be a significant source of false credibility. People often share and like content without thoroughly fact-checking it. Each like or share adds to the perceived credibility of a post, creating a false metric that is easily manipulated by misinformation campaigns. Bots and fake accounts can also amplify false claims, making them appear more credible than they are.

For personal verification, it is highly recommended to fact-check any information that seems too good to be true or unrealistic. Using multiple credible sources to corroborate information can significantly reduce the risk of being fooled or manipulated.

Conclusion

The ease with which Americans can be brainwashed by mainstream media is a multifaceted issue that involves cognitive biases, media literacy, and the practices of media organizations. While mainstream media traditional news organizations in the USA — such as The New York Times, The L.A. Times, The New Yorker, The Wall Street Journal, CNN, MSNBC, NPR, The AP, Reuters, BBC, PBS, Politico, ProPublica, Al Jazeera, Salon, and Slate — are generally reliable, it is crucial for individuals to maintain a healthy level of skepticism and engage in thorough fact-checking before accepting information.