Believe Quote by Margaret Atwood
“The newspaper journalists like to believe the worst; they can sell more papers that way, as one of them told me himself; for even upstanding and respectable people dearly love to read ill of others.”
About This Quote
Source Essay: The Role of Media, 1998
Journalists often sensationalize negativity to sell more, exploiting readers’ appetite for scandal.
In simple terms: Media thrives on scandal.
Key Takeaway
Critically evaluate sensational news.
Themes
media
journalism
sensationalism
ethics
Mood
critical
thought‑provoking
Type
analytical
philosophical
When to use this quote
- news consumption
- media literacy
- editorial decisions
Key Concepts
clickbait culture
public trust
information overload
Questions to Reflect On
- Why do we gravitate toward negative stories?
- How can we demand higher journalistic standards?
A Different Perspective
Not all journalists are unethical; some aim for truth.
