In Huff’s piece, he explains that bias is present in almost every piece of data that we see. Whether it be independent studies at scientific laboratories, or research projects at public universities, almost any study that is done will have bias. There’s conscious and unconscious biases that influence the way researchers gather information, and as a result, we often get information that isn’t necessarily reliable. What really stuck out to me was this quote: “Public pressure and hasty journalism often launch a treatment that is unproved, particularly when the demand is great and the statistical background hazy.”

In this quote, I think it goes to show how much the media influences our beliefs and views of the world around us. As a journalism major, I’m all too comfortable with how public pressure can sway the way journalists write, and in the case of COVID-19, I think that’s why we’ve had so much misinformation spread. News outlets tend to be focused on getting the news out faster than other outlets, and that leads to common mistakes and errors that could easily be avoided. I specifically remember when the pandemic was first gaining traction, it seemed that everyone was publishing contradicting opinions and recommendations on how to stay safe.

In order to report accurate information that is free of bias (as it can possibly be, since that’s practically impossible), it takes a two-pronged approach from both parties. The scientific entities that carry out these surveys need to share their raw data in a way that is clear and concise. Journalists and reporters then need to closely analyze the data they’re given, and report on it without jumping to conclusions. The scientific entity should then be able to approve the article before it is published, just to make sure everything is correct. Although this is really idealistic, and probably takes up a lot of time, it would lead to more accurate science news for the everyday reader.