The following column by Jason Piscia, assistant professor and director of the UIS Public Affairs Reporting program, was published by the Illinois Times on Oct. 17, 2024.
"Have you heard anyone say recently “I can’t wait for this election to be over?” Have you said it?
The feeling is understandable. The nonstop, mean-spirited social media posts, advertisements and political commentary can be exhausting.
Aside from the vitriol, there are at least two reasons for the exhaustion. First, it is increasingly challenging to determine what information is trustworthy. Second, media coverage of elections too often focuses on who’s ahead in polls rather than how candidates stand on policy issues.
As we head into the final weeks before Election Day, I wanted to share some tips to help you be a more responsible political news consumer."