Part 9/13:
Media and news outlets play a pivotal role in shaping our perceptions and, consequently, our capacity for reason. Today’s 24/7 news cycle, driven by algorithms and profit motives, leans heavily into sensationalism. Outrage drips from headlines, which are often exaggerated or framed to provoke emotional reactions.
Outrage sells—headlines like "This Will Shock You" or "The End of the World Is Nigh" attract clicks, ensuring continued engagement. As a result, stories are crafted to maximize emotional impact rather than factual accuracy. This culture of hype fosters anxiety and fear, rendering rational analysis nearly impossible as people are overwhelmed by crises presented as emergencies requiring immediate action.