I will chime in on this thread, for fun. Many moons ago /before nursing - I considered journalism. I believe communication ie news/ info/click bait/ what ever you wish to call it has changed drastically -or I HAVE become more “jaded” or “aware” depending on who you ask.
Information (good or bad) zooms at the speed of light. Propaganda, or a sales pitch can also travel at the speed of light. Advertisers do pay for news, always have. And of course mass media, in what ever form it takes, print, online, tv,radio, affects how people see their world.
Your own prior knowledge, and experiences can help inform you -or lead you down the garden path. “Source” is of course very important but so is your “own” knowledge base or actions in seeking out information!
Fun stuff, or that which keeps you sleepless. Who can say?