A new study reveals that Americans’ morals significantly influence their opinion of the media, not their political affiliations nor their ideologies. People who highly value caring for others and fairness are more likely to trust the media, while those who highly value authority and loyalty are more sceptical and distrustful of the media. In particular, the latter group dislikes when the news spotlights blunders by officials, as they think it interferes with officials’ ability to perform their jobs well.
Read full article here
Societal Issues
To curb drug deaths, communities turn to Reddit, texts and wastewater
With drug overdose deaths on the rise, authorities are attempting to curb the epidemic by tracking and sharing information in real time. In one unique effort, a nonprofit in New York City is using drug-testing equipment and stamping or marking habits of dealers to identify drug batches that may endanger users. Other approaches are also being used, such as monitoring drug-related chatter on Reddit and analyzing local wastewater for opioid and other drug levels. With the combination of these efforts, researchers hope to put a dent in the opioid crisis and reduce overdose deaths. Read full article here