655Z Summer 2026 How to Avoid Being Manipulated by News and Social Media

In this interactive seminar, we’ll explore how media consumption—what we watch, read, scroll, and share—shapes our understanding of the world and each other. Over the past two decades, the media landscape has become increasingly partisan, sensational, and divisive, with news and social media fueling polarization and even straining personal relationships. Through discussion, real-world examples, and potential hands-on activities, we’ll examine how media influences our beliefs, how to recognize bias and misinformation, and how to become more thoughtful, responsible media consumers in an age of information overload. Special focus will be on the business of news and how profits interfere with serving the public.

Kenneth "Ken" Reid was a journalist and publisher for 40 years, covering Congress, federal agencies and local government, for newspapers, magazines, and trade press (primarily FDA). He also has been interviewed by broadcast and print media. He has an MA from the University of Missouri School of Journalism.