In his essay, “The Good, The Bad, and The Daily Show,” Jason Zinser explores the vices and virtues of so-called “fake” news programs ”. “Fake news,” as Zinser explains, are those programs that blend newsworthy events with comedy. Examining the Daily Show, Zinser reveals both the positive and negative impacts that “fake” news could have on society. As a result, Zinser concludes that there are benefits but also potential problems with “fake” news, but insists that the real challenge is determining the net impact on society. The essay, which first appeared in The Daily Show and Philosophy: Moments of Zen and the Art of Fake News in 2007, challenges experts on both sides of the issue who argue that fake news is just for entertainment or that it is a acceptable source. for information on current events. On the one hand, Zinser uses expert testimony to support his thesis that the end result is a more informed public, but on the other he presents logical arguments enriched with examples to illustrate the potential impact that “fake news” can have on his viewers and the mainstream media “Fake” news outlets, such as The Daily Show, Zinser reasonably argues, have the potential to dilute the mass media and deceive viewers. The Daily Show has been clear about its lack of legitimacy as an impactful news program, but "the show's content and guest list suggest otherwise" (Zinser 367). Zinser argues that The Daily Show should be held to higher standards because “people may well think they are completely or sufficiently informed while watching” (367). In other words, Zinser believes that if viewers tune in with the expectation of being informed and The Daily Show's content includes meaningful topics, the writers... middle of the paper... in question are complex," and "both sides of these debates are often well argued” (378). He proposes seeking understanding from both sides of the aisle, so that in this way we can have opinions supported by facts. As Zinser states, “[an] informed public is the lubricant that makes democracy work properly” (364). Democracy depends on American citizens being accurately informed about important issues and using that information when it is time to make a decision in the voting booth. The media is rampant with false information , radical ideologies and distorted perspectives that influence our decisions. Therefore, as Americans it is important to actively seek out information to form our opinions because passive absorption without control leaves us vulnerable to strong and influential ideologies that may not represent our beliefs and values..