Help Family & Friends Detox From Fox

Do you have family members or friends who watch FOX religiously? Have you argued with them about it to no avail? You are not alone!

But trying to change their habits (or minds or viewpoints) requires some delicacy.

The fact is FOX is not a reliable news source. In 2023, Fox agreed to pay Dominion Voting Systems nearly $800 million to avert a trial in the voting machine company’s lawsuit that would have exposed how the network promoted lies about the 2020 presidential election. This was not a court decision, it was settled out of court

“The truth matters. Lies have consequences,” Dominion lawyer Justin Nelson told reporters at the time.

Talking to family members and friends about FOX is not easy , but it can be done. Experts say it requires patience and focusing on communication rather than confrontation.

When direct confrontation isn’t working, focus on how the situation affects you personally.

• Create “no-politics” zones. Implement a “no politics” rule during shared family activities like meals or holidays. If politics comes up, calmly redirect the conversation by saying, “Let’s stick to non-political topics for dinner”. Doing this ahead of the event can set the tone for a happier gathering.
• Distance yourself from anger. Outrage politics can be highly addictive, so if a family member becomes angry while watching, it may be time to leave the room. You can calmly explain, “I’m not comfortable with the anger this channel creates, so I’m going to step away”.

Model respectful, open-minded behavior.  Instead of trying to force them to change, show them what healthy media consumption looks like.

• Focus on relationships, not debates. Remind your family members that your relationship is more important than a political disagreement. If they raise a concern, try discussing how the issue personally affects your life, rather than debating the ideology behind it.
• Introduce other sources with empathy. Acknowledge that finding accurate information is difficult and offer to exchange different news sources with them. For example, “I’d love for us to both check out each other’s sources. Would you be willing to read an article from [your preferred source] if I read one from yours?”.
• Prioritize connection over correction. Research suggests that focusing on connection is more effective than directly correcting someone’s misinformation. When they share something, ask questions about their perspective to try and understand their motivation. This can de-escalate the situation.

Encouraging family members to stop watching a specific news source like Fox News requires patience and focusing on communication rather than confrontation. The approach often depends on the specific reasons for the concern and the nature of the relationship.

Set firm personal boundaries.

Propose alternative activities.  For family members who rely on the news for constant stimulation, suggest activities to fill that void.

• Find engaging alternatives. If your family member watches the news frequently, they may simply be looking for something to occupy their time. Suggest other options like documentaries, travel shows, or nature programs.
• Plan “unplugged” time. Create regular family time that is screen-free, like going for a walk, cooking together, or playing a game. This provides a welcome distraction and helps reinforce family connection outside of political discussions.

Approach the issue strategically. If you choose to discuss your concerns directly, remember that bombarding someone with facts is rarely effective.

• Ask “why” to understand motivation. Sometimes people watch a particular news channel to feel part of a community or to have talking points for their friends. Instead of debating a specific point, try asking, “What about this news resonates most with you?” to find the root of their engagement.
• Use respectful, assertive communication. When you do have a conversation, avoid personal attacks and keep the focus on specific issues. Practice active listening to show that you are taking their perspective seriously, which can encourage them to do the same.
• Provide a detailed fact-check later. If you need to correct misinformation, don’t do it in the moment of an argument. Later, when things are calm, provide a respectful, detailed correction with a widely credible source.

These conversations are not easy to have. But they are important.