Final answer:
Citizens can best use media to inform themselves on political issues by critically selecting and verifying reputable sources, understanding the potential for bias and framing in reporting, and exercising critical thinking, especially on social media where misinformation can spread rapidly.
Step-by-step explanation:
As citizens, using the media to inform ourselves on political issues requires a thoughtful and critical approach. We should diversify our sources, seeking information from reputable news agencies, both mainstream and independent, that have a track record for accuracy and accountability.
To verify that the information we are receiving is accurate, we should look for sources that exhibit journalistic integrity by providing evidence-backed reporting and engaging in fact-checking. It is important to be aware of media bias and 'framing' techniques where issues, stories, and messages are presented from a particular perspective.