Nadeen Maniord is a Journalism Senior and the Sports Social Media Manager for Mustang News. The opinions expressed in this article do not necessarily reflect those of Mustang Media Group.
Who’s to blame for America’s political divide? A lot of it comes straight from the media. Let’s face it—the headlines love conflict and fear, and that’s pushing Americans further apart. Sensational stories are great for clicks but terrible for trust. Something’s got to change.
If we want to close this gap, we have to recognize the dance between us and the media and how it changes the way we see those around us. From there, it’s about taking steps to rebuild trust, starting right here in our own communities. It’s not a quick fix, but it’s what we need to do if we want a stronger democracy and a little less drama.
A 2023 Gallup survey found that 72% of Americans believe the media is biased. Pew Research Center says 85% of Americans think the country is more divided than ever. Safe to say, these numbers are not good. They point to a critical need for solutions to prevent further disintegration of public trust.
Sure, a lot of the blame falls on biased media, but the solution starts with a shift in priorities—not just from news outlets, but from us as consumers. Selective media consumption has turned into a habit, creating echo chambers where we’re only hearing what we already believe. If we want real change, we have to be open to stepping outside those bubbles and seeking out balanced perspectives.
A 2023 Pew study found that 60% of Republicans regularly watch Fox News, while 53% of Democrats turn to CNN. These networks contribute to the divide, reinforcing biases and keeping us in information silos.
As somebody at Mustang News, I acknowledge that we are not exempt from this dynamic. In our effort to serve our community, we have made mistakes and, at times, contributed to the polarization we see today. Still, we see the need for change and are committed to fighting for it. Our goal is to serve as a bridge within our community, not a wedge. But our efforts alone will not fix things.
Let’s start here: I believe media outlets must prioritize fairness over sensationalism. Moving away from clickbait-driven content toward balanced, fact-based reporting would help rebuild public trust. Stricter editorial standards, transparency about sources, and presenting diverse perspectives are essential steps toward reducing polarization.
Social media platforms, particularly newer ones like TikTok, need to contribute too. While Facebook and Twitter have long faced scrutiny for their role in spreading misinformation, TikTok has rapidly become a major contributor to this issue.
TikTok’s algorithm is notorious for rapidly tailoring content to users’ tastes, often trapping them in ideologically homogeneous “bubbles.” A 2023 study from MIT Media Lab found that misinformation and dividing content on TikTok can reach millions within hours, as the platform prioritizes engagement over accuracy.
TikTok and social media have little incentive to change their approach, as sensational and divisive content keeps users scrolling, maximizing ad revenue. If left unchecked, this platform’s influence could further accelerate societal division.
Banning these platforms isn’t the answer. While it might seem like a quick fix against misinformation, it risks stifling free speech and could lead to deeper censorship issues. The real solution lies in regulation that holds platforms accountable, demanding transparency, accuracy, and responsibility. Banning would only drive the problem underground, where fewer safeguards exist.
The change we need begins with us. We can’t afford to stay in ideological bubbles. It’s time to connect across political lines—not to argue, but to truly understand each other. By engaging with empathy and respect, we can model the kind of civil discourse we want to see in the media.
Even when our algorithms make it seem hard, we have the power to actively seek out diverse perspectives and critically evaluate what we read or watch. Engaging with multiple sources, questioning credibility, and avoiding content designed to provoke emotional reactions will help us become more informed and open-minded.
When you choose to support outlets that prioritize accuracy over clickbait, you help cut down the spread of divisive narratives. You have the power to drive real change by backing a media that values truth over sensationalism.
The media has a big role to play in this healing process—but so do you. By seeking balanced news, engaging in respectful conversations, and holding platforms accountable, we can start bridging our divides.
So here’s my challenge to you: scroll away from TikTok and Instagram, and spend 20 minutes each day reading the news—but not just from CNN or Fox. Take in news from a variety of sources, even if it means sorting through contradictions. Then, talk with five people about it—especially those who don’t already agree with you on everything. Step out of your bubble, and encourage others to do the same.
The tough part? Stick with it. A single day won’t bring lasting change. This consistent effort will break down the walls of division built by profit-driven media.
It’s time to act—now. Rebuilding the trust and dialogue our democracy needs isn’t just important, it’s urgent. We all have a role to play in breaking down the walls that divide us. Together, we can restore the foundation of truth and understanding that this nation was built on.
The future of our democracy depends on what we do today.