Decode any news story
Paste an article or pick a topic. See the facts, the context, and how different sides cover it.
Select a topic to see a preview of the article text.
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Your breakdown will appear here
Paste an article or choose a preset, then click Decode.
Fact Summary
Source Credibility
Context Timeline
How Different Sides Cover It
Your Saved Decodes
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Why this decoder exists
The problem with modern news
Most people get their news from one or two sources that match their existing views. Algorithms reinforce this by showing you more of what you already click on. Over time, you see a narrow slice of any story. This decoder helps you widen that slice. It does not push you toward any political side. It simply shows you what the other sides are saying so you can compare.
How the breakdown works
When you paste an article, the decoder scans for factual claims: who did what, when, where, and what numbers are cited. It then checks those claims against a simple reliability model based on the type of source, the specificity of the claim, and whether multiple outlets report the same thing. The perspective summaries are written to reflect common framing patterns, not to endorse any viewpoint.
Things to keep in mind
This is a thinking aid, not a truth machine. The credibility scores are simplified. Real source evaluation is more nuanced. Use the decoder as a starting point. If a story matters to you, look up the original documents, check multiple primary sources, and ask yourself what might be missing from the coverage you see.
Common mistakes when reading news
- Confusing correlation with causation. Just because two things happened together does not mean one caused the other.
- Accepting the first number you see. Statistics can be framed many ways. Ask what is being measured and what is left out.
- Ignoring the missing context. Every story has a history. A single event rarely makes sense without knowing what led up to it.
- Assuming all "studies show" claims are equal. Check the sample size, who funded the research, and whether the findings have been replicated.
Questions people ask
Does this tool tell me which news source is correct?
No. It shows you what different sources are saying and how reliable their fact claims tend to be. You decide what to believe after seeing the range of coverage.
How are the political perspectives assigned?
We use a simplified model based on public media bias charts. Left, center, and right are broad categories. Real outlets exist on a spectrum, and this tool gives you a representative sample of how each side frames the story.
Can I save my decoded articles?
Yes. Click the save icon after decoding. Your saved articles are stored in your browser's local storage. They stay on your device and are never uploaded anywhere.
What if the article I paste is behind a paywall?
You can paste whatever visible text you have. The decoder works with partial articles too, though more complete text gives better results. You can also manually type a summary of what you read.
Is this a replacement for reading the news?
Not at all. It is a companion that helps you read more critically. Use it alongside your regular news consumption to spot patterns and question framing.