Unfortunately, I tend to treat any non-independent science related media as brain poison. It tends to be much more hype or misunderstanding than value. Which is a shame, because there is so much interesting and true science that can be minded for content.
To elaborate on @the gears to ascension’s highlighted text, often Wikipedia cites newspaper articles when it makes a particular scientific, economic, historical, or other claim, instead of the relevant paper or other primary source such newspaper articles are reporting on. When I see interesting, surprising, or action-relevant claims I like checking & citing the corresponding primary source, which makes the claim easier for me to verify, often provides nuance which wasn’t present in the Wikipedia or news article, and makes it more difficult for me to delude myself when talking in public (since it makes it easier for others to check the primary source, and criticize me for my simplifications or exaggerations).
Unfortunately, I tend to treat any non-independent science related media as brain poison. It tends to be much more hype or misunderstanding than value. Which is a shame, because there is so much interesting and true science that can be minded for content.
I do the same for the most part. The way this comes up is mostly by my attempts to verify claims Wikipedia makes.
To elaborate on @the gears to ascension’s highlighted text, often Wikipedia cites newspaper articles when it makes a particular scientific, economic, historical, or other claim, instead of the relevant paper or other primary source such newspaper articles are reporting on. When I see interesting, surprising, or action-relevant claims I like checking & citing the corresponding primary source, which makes the claim easier for me to verify, often provides nuance which wasn’t present in the Wikipedia or news article, and makes it more difficult for me to delude myself when talking in public (since it makes it easier for others to check the primary source, and criticize me for my simplifications or exaggerations).