How to reset Apple News biases

I read the official guidance to "control the kinds of stories you see in Apple News," but I want to reset it completely, or eliminate the bias, not modify what currently exists.


Without getting too philosophical, I believe strongly that the polarization in our society is exacerbated by bots that deliver self-reinforcing news. I want to be able to see divergent viewpoints and I believe democracy would be well served if we all did.


So, how do I reset Apple News, or even better, select an array of news feeds and NOT have it biased to my supposed "interests." I realize this would screw up the marketing potential that goes along with learning my "interests."


If not possible, what are the alternative news sources that would deliver a wide array of stories from divergent viewpoints without self-reinforcing my own biases?


John

iPhone 6, iOS 11.4.1

Posted on Sep 3, 2018 5:33 PM

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4 replies

Sep 4, 2018 11:08 PM in response to sberman

You are trying to be very helpful. Thank you. I guess I need to get more specific.


I have selected "Channels" and have chosen a wide array of sources, from Breitbart News to Vanity Fair and everything in between. The "Topics" I've selected also reflect a full range of viewpoints.


For a (short) while, the articles that Apple News chose for me ("For You") were eclectic.


However, as I selected articles that reinforces my belief system, the articles became more and more self-reinforcing. I was only getting news from one side of the spectrum.


So, to the original question, how do I reset the Apple News biases, so that I get a wide array of articles that might challenge my opinions?


I'm not just concerned about my personal inability to be aware of alternate viewpoints through this news service, but also VERY concerned that society in general will become even more polarized (is it possible?) as a result of this widespread (not just Apple News) digital data-gathering policy whose aim seems to be to narrow viewpoints to maximize data value.

Sep 4, 2018 1:28 AM in response to sberman

Thank you for the thought, but you are right. The article tells how to make certain that the news one sees is consistent with their belief system and interests. I want to see other items that may not reinforce my own biases. It may not be possible, since I believe the purpose of the "free" news service is to gather data that can be used to market products and services tailored to the user.


At the risk of being redundant, I want to see well-crafted articles that challenge my own biases, not simply articles that reinforce them.


To challenge those writing the news-chanelling algorithms with a profit motive, how can you sell "new" stuff to people if your goal is only to sell them the stuff they already like?

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How to reset Apple News biases

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