Do you ever wonder if the news you follow might be shaping more than just your opinions?
Maybe it’s even affecting how you feel about your personal finances or the world around you.
A recent Ipsos poll suggests that where Americans get their news has a big impact on how they view their personal situation, as well as larger issues like crime, immigration, and the economy. And it’s not just about what stories are being reported -- it’s also about how those stories are told and what people take away from them. Here's what the Ipsos iSay team has to reveal!
Can the news you follow shape your opinions, personal finances, or even your voting priorities?
Does Media Change How You See Your Own Finances?
If you’ve been feeling squeezed by high prices on groceries and other goods, you’re not alone. Nearly half of Americans (45%) say they’ve had to put off making purchases recently because they just didn’t have the cash on hand.
But here’s the catch: whether or not you’ve noticed prices dropping recently depends a lot on where you get your news.
The Ipsos poll found that while only one in four Americans overall (26%) have noticed groceries or gas getting cheaper, those numbers look wildly different depending on what news people consume.
If you get your news from cable TV or national papers, nearly half (47%) say they’ve noticed prices going down. But if you mostly follow conservative media, only about 9% say they’ve seen a drop.
You and your neighbor might shop at the same grocery store, but depending on what news you both consume, you may have completely different feelings about whether those prices are going up or down.
Does Your News Shape Your Voting Priorities?
Here’s something to think about: Could your primary news source shape which political policies you care about most?
The Ipsos poll found that Americans who watch conservative news outlets, like Fox News, are far more likely to support Donald Trump across a range of issues. This includes big topics like immigration, the economy, and foreign conflicts.
On the other hand, if you’re tuned into cable news or reading national newspapers, you might find yourself agreeing more with Kamala Harris, especially on healthcare and tackling political extremism.
And then there are the folks who get their news from social media or local news. They tend to fall somewhere in the middle. Sure, they might lean a bit toward Trump or Harris on certain issues, but their views are less defined.
Overall, it seems that media sources are not just offering varied perspectives but are constructing entirely distinct narratives around national policies.
Does your favorite news source influence which political issues are most important to you?
Media’s Role in Shaping Our Reality
So, what does all this mean? It’s clear that the media doesn’t just report the news—it shapes our understanding of it. Whether it’s influencing how you see the economy, how you view political candidates, or even how you feel about your own budget, the news you consume plays a big role in your perspective.
Now, here’s a suggestion: maybe the next time you're debating politics with a friend, you might want to ask, “What’s your news source?” It might just explain why you’re seeing things so differently. After all, when it comes to shaping our views, the news we consume is doing more than we realize.
Have you noticed how the media you consume affects your views on key issues like the economy or politics?
Do you have a preferred news source that shapes your perspectives?
Join the conversation by participating in research with Ipsos iSay. Head to your dashboard to check out the latest surveys and share your thoughts today!
The Ipsos research shared in this article has been sourced from: https://www.ipsos.com/en-us/media-source-affects-americans-understanding-crime-immigration-economy
