Freedom from Bias

 

Reuter’s   has a huge list when it comes to bias-free reporting. It broadly covers not taking sides but conveying all sides, differentiating between facts and opinions,  using parliamentary languages and avoiding stereotypes, refraining from advising, maintaining uniformity, no political affiliation and equal opportunity & diversity in the newsroom.

What I found intriguing was the simplicity of these points and yet it goes against every strand in human nature. All the lives we are prone to judging, if we aren’t judging others we are being judged. It kind of becomes a survival instinct. For us to do better than others we need to take sides and succumb to stereotypes.

These biases are not just suggested but also encouraged, sometimes by people with a vested interest or at other times, we ourselves like to go with the flow. Without getting  into the categories of biases, it would also be a great idea to understand  what can one does in everyday life.

Being Neutral- An individual can't be without an opinion and hence taking sides is not just natural, it is required for a healthy coexistence. What is not required, is however not make it personal.  Your one opinion does not define you so let it be reflective.

Facts and opinions-  It is raining outside is a fact. It may rain outside is an opinion.  Learn to differentiate.  

Use of Language- This week, my friend asked me to speak about OTT and its impact.  He wanted me to talk about the language used. What is happening with the latest trends in entertainment, that it is normalizing foul language. It is normalizing a culture of abuses and diminishing the capacity of viewers especially children to accept a language free of abuses.

Avoiding Stereotypes- I always say awareness is the best way to deal with stereotypes. Ask yourself three questions to – Is it true, is it relevant and should it be changed?

 Biases are natural because they are set into our system from the very beginning. The best way to deal with that is to identify, acknowledge and make an effort to minimize its impact on day to day life and decision making.