On Tuesday morning, Jan. 28, social media and news outlets flooded with stories recounting President Donald Trump’s new, and inherently vague initiative to “pause federal funding.” This potential pause left students all over the country and all over Glassboro wondering how it could affect their future as a college student. 

Some students panicked, some rolled their eyes, and some even felt so inclined to call the financial aid office and ask them about the security of their federal grants and loans. However, this 24-hour media craze has seemed to serve as merely an example of what kind of damage can happen when speculative journalism and emotional reporting are placed front and center on our phone feeds and under our thumbs.

It was reported earlier today by the New York Times, that this vague, confusing executive order which has caused chaos and panic amongst group chats, classrooms, and social circles, has now been rescinded. 

College students, admin, and faculty need to take this situation as a reminder to remain calm when extreme statements are made by powerful people. Just because an important political figure has an idea, or makes a statement does not mean it’s true, does not mean it will affect your daily life, and does not mean you need to immediately get angry and take a stance on the matter. 

As student journalists, The Whit Staff has become highly aware of news media literacy when consuming social media and news articles and broadcasts. For those unfamiliar with the phrase, it is the process of critically evaluating and analyzing news media and public information, and recognizing the difference between facts, rumors, and opinions. This underrated skill is something that many people think they have– but in times of crisis or uncertainty, disregard and throw out the window. 

It is critical now more than ever to sharpen this skill, luckily The Whit has some tips and tricks for students and faculty to navigate this media landscape with ease and a clear mind:

1. Watch out for headlines and thumbnails that target an emotional response. When a news article is highly emotional, it doesn’t always mean that it’s giving you the whole story. When something seems outrageous, dystopian, or emotionally motivated, be extra careful to analyze what is fact and what is opinion. 
2. Be wary of speculative journalism. Any article that leads with “here’s what might happen if…” is usually based on speculation, because there isn’t a concrete answer yet. Remember, just because something might happen doesn’t mean that it will, and just because people are afraid of something, doesn’t mean they have a logical reason to be.
3. Do your own independent research. When reading about a topic, be diligent about looking for all sides, all angles, and all perspectives of an issue. If something is contentious, read stories and watch content that gives all players in the issue an equal voice. Explore multiple outlets that affiliate with different parties or agendas.
4. Be aware of what biases or partisanship is associated with the outlets you are getting information from. One key factor to understanding how to properly research is to be aware of existing biases in media corporations. News media, like any other company is a business– and businesses need to appeal to their target audience in order to make money. Pay attention to these biases and use them to inform your search for the truth. 
5. Look for context. Context is one of the biggest factors in determining the truthfulness, and accuracy of an article. Having the full story, not just a shortened clip or series of shortened clips taken at different times is crucial when determining whether something is genuine– or being published to generate high clicks and high emotions. Search for media that gives you all of the relevant information, not just the emotional fluff.

As students, and as Americans we need to understand that we do not have much control over what those who are in power say, or attempt to do. What we do have power over is our reaction, and a responsibility to ourselves, and our peers, to only share media that is true, factual, and fair.

For comments/questions about this story DM us on Instagram @thewhitatrowan or email opinion@gmail.com