5 apps I exploit to get information earlier than it hits social media

Nowadays, a rising variety of us rely totally on social media providers to remain knowledgeable on present occasions, whether or not it’s on the native, nationwide, or worldwide degree. The temptation to stay comfortably throughout the confines of a potent algorithm is powerful, and short-form multimedia is a handy methodology of stories supply if there ever was one.

Nevertheless, getting your information from TikTok, Reddit, X (née Twitter), et al. comes with some doubtlessly critical drawbacks as properly. Closed-source algorithms are nebulous and troublesome to foretell, it is all too straightforward to enter an echo chamber with out even realizing it, and unhealthy actors intention to unfold misinformation and disinformation throughout the net (and, more and more, by the use of manmade intelligence).

That is the place social media-free information providers come into play: there are a rising variety of useful apps on the market that may preserve you locked in on all the most recent happenings, whereas offering aid from algorithmic purgatory within the course of. Listed below are 5 information and news-adjacent apps that make me by no means need to log onto Facebook ever once more.

1

Floor Information

Test blind spots within the protection of occasions

Floor Information, which is accessible each as a standalone app and as an online browser extension, is a wonderful software for combating in opposition to bias, sensationalism, and misinformation. The service presents a helpful birds-eye view of assorted matters and present occasions, showcasing information protection throughout each side of the political spectrum. From right here, you possibly can see the share of publications which have lined a narrative, analyze the framing of present occasions, and establish blind spots in reporting. Floor Information is a free app, although you may must spring for the Professional or Premium subscription tiers to entry lots of the service’s most helpful instruments.

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2

PressReader

Browse for newspapers and magazines the digital approach

PressReader is house to over 7,000 publications from over 120 international locations, providing entry to each newspapers and magazines. The app makes it straightforward to find content material from sources each acquainted and new, whereas presenting the information in all its conventional print view glory. Should you benefit from the perks of studying the information electronically, however you are not a fan of mobile-style person interfaces, then PressReader presents a contented medium with its highlighting of print covers and journal paintings. The app is free to get began, however requires a paid Premium subscription with a purpose to entry the complete catalog of publications and shops.

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3

Flipboard

Curate your personal journal of matters and themes

Flipboard is a extremely customizable information aggregation service that permits you to observe not solely publications, but in addition matters on a broader degree. You’ll be able to gather articles and save them to your personal customized Flipboard Journal, permitting you to reference tales and information posts at a later date. The app presents a ton of discovery instruments for locating new sources of data, whereas incorporating social media-esque ‘observe’ and hashtagging methods into the fold. Flipboard is fully free to obtain and set up, and it offers entry to a curated choice of content material from its in-house editorial group.

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4

Substack

Learn information tales from unbiased voices

Substack is a comparatively new media app that has been rising in reputation in current instances. With entry to written blogs, short-form video clips, reside streams, podcasts, and extra, the service has confirmed notably in style with unbiased voices. A number of high-profile public figures, media personalities, and investigative journalists now often publish onto Substack, which bodes properly for the app’s future prospects. Substack is a free service, giving writers the flexibility to paywall newsletters and articles as they see match. Even with out spending a dime, there’s a wealth of free information content material obtainable on the app, which is ideal for getting began with.

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5

Medium

Observe the information, join newsletters, and uncover matters

Medium has lengthy been a go-to platform for unbiased voices, together with journalists, reporters, and content material creators. Just like Substack, Medium makes it straightforward to observe writers and sustain with their newest publishes in actual time. The app is full of news-related content material, and email-based e-newsletter help is baked proper in as properly. Medium is free to obtain and set up, with loads of free content material obtainable from the get-go. From right here, you possibly can select to monetarily help the writers you recognize essentially the most, or go for Medium membership for limitless entry throughout the board.

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