5 apps I take advantage of to get information earlier than it hits social media

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

Nonetheless, getting your information from TikTok, Reddit, X (née Twitter), et al. comes with some doubtlessly severe 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 purpose to unfold misinformation and disinformation throughout the net (and, more and more, by way of manmade intelligence).

That is the place social media-free information companies come into play: there are a rising variety of helpful apps on the market that may hold you locked in on all the newest happenings, whereas offering reduction from algorithmic purgatory within the course of. Listed here are 5 information and news-adjacent apps that make me by no means wish to log onto Facebook ever once more.

1

Floor Information

Examine blind spots within the protection of occasions

Floor Information, which is on the market each as a standalone app and as an internet browser extension, is a wonderful instrument for combating towards bias, sensationalism, and misinformation. The service affords a helpful birds-eye view of assorted subjects and present occasions, showcasing information protection throughout each side of the political spectrum. From right here, you’ll be able to see the share of publications which have coated a narrative, analyze the framing of present occasions, and determine 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 means

PressReader is residence 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. If you happen to benefit from the perks of studying the information electronically, however you are not a fan of mobile-style consumer interfaces, then PressReader affords a cheerful 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 total catalog of publications and retailers.

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3

Flipboard

Curate your individual journal of subjects and themes

Flipboard is a extremely customizable information aggregation service that permits you to comply with not solely publications, but in addition subjects on a broader stage. You may acquire articles and save them to your individual customized Flipboard Journal, permitting you to reference tales and information posts at a later date. The app affords a ton of discovery instruments for locating new sources of data, whereas incorporating social media-esque ‘comply with’ and hashtagging techniques into the fold. Flipboard is solely 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 latest instances. With entry to written blogs, short-form video clips, reside streams, podcasts, and extra, the service has confirmed significantly in style with unbiased voices. A number of high-profile public figures, media personalities, and investigative journalists now commonly publish onto Substack, which bodes properly for the app’s future prospects. Substack is a free service, giving writers the power to paywall newsletters and articles as they see match. Even with out spending a dime, there’s a wealth of free information content material accessible on the app, which is ideal for getting began with.

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5

Medium

Observe the information, join newsletters, and uncover subjects

Medium has lengthy been a go-to platform for unbiased voices, together with journalists, reporters, and content material creators. Much like Substack, Medium makes it straightforward to comply with writers and sustain with their newest publishes in actual time. The app is full of news-related content material, and email-based publication assist is baked proper in as properly. Medium is free to obtain and set up, with loads of free content material accessible from the get-go. From right here, you’ll be able to select to monetarily assist the writers you admire essentially the most, or go for Medium membership for limitless entry throughout the board.

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