Final answer:
Knowing about selective exposure matters because it influences information processing and can lead to a narrowing of perspectives. By actively seeking out diverse and balanced information, individuals can broaden their understanding and make more objective decisions.
Step-by-step explanation:
Knowing about selective exposure matters because it influences information processing. Selective exposure refers to the tendency of individuals to seek out information that confirms their existing beliefs or opinions. This can lead to a narrowing of perspectives and a reinforcement of one's preconceived notions. For example, if someone only seeks out news sources that align with their political views, they may not be exposed to diverse opinions and may have a skewed understanding of the issues.
By actively seeking out diverse and balanced information, individuals can broaden their understanding, challenge their assumptions, and make more objective decisions. Selective exposure can hinder these processes, so it's important to be aware of this bias and actively seek out a range of perspectives when making decisions or forming opinions.