Speculative Fact #255: Media Bias Detection Device

Most of us are aware that bias exists in media political coverage. Even if we have well trained ears, sometimes subtle techniques can be used to sneak under the radar. Example: quotes. By taking a quote out of context or using a clipped quote to elicit a certain response, a snip of dialogue can have us either lauding or leering at a political candidate.     

Scientists at Cornell have developed a computer algorithm that sifts through thousands of selected quotes to uncover the political leanings of the reporters that picked them. That biases not only exist in the media but even determine which quotes we use to represent a candidate is very telling in our national political discourse.

Future candidates might be scrutinized like never before with the advent of internet social media, but social media it might also find itself under close scrutiny.

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