Is the News/Media Losing Its Credibility?
There has been a significant decline in the credibility of traditional news channels, with many audiences now relying on alternative sources such as YouTube and WhatsApp for their news updates. However, these alternative sources are often fraught with misinformation, disinformation, and propaganda, which further erodes trust in the media.
Who Is Sowing the 'Fake News' Belief?
The blame for the declining credibility of real, professional, and fact-checked news often falls on the shoulders of people who are spreading lies. The right-wing, in particular, frequently claim that the news media has lost its credibility. The term 'fake news' has become a convenient tool for those who believe in the world's most notorious deceivers, such as Putin and other dictators. This rhetoric is designed to cast doubt on reliable journalism and encourage people to turn to propagandists for information. However, such claims are groundless and rooted in their own biases and denial.
Reasons for People to Claim 'Fake News'
People often label news as 'fake' for two primary reasons. Firstly, when there is an abundance of evidence, easily accessible and empirically proven, that can conclusively show the news to be false, people still insist it is 'fake'. For example, the claim of 'election fraud' is often cited, but no concrete evidence has ever been presented to support these allegations.
Secondly, people might claim news is 'fake' if it does not align with their preconceived notions or biases. Individuals who are unable to admit to being misled by lies may double down on these false beliefs, even when the truth is clear to others. They often engage in conspiracy theories and baseless allegations to justify their positions, such as the 'deep state' debunkings and absurd claims like 'Jewish space lasers'.
Common Misconceptions About News
One of the reasons people mistakenly believe news is 'fake' is their inability to differentiate between facts, lies, and spin. For instance, the 2020 U.S. election results showing Biden won the election by more than 7 million votes can be easily verified. However, some claim 'Biden did not win the elections' or that 'Dominion’s voting machines could flip votes from Trump to Biden,' both of which are outright lies. Spin, on the other hand, is used to present a particular angle, but it is not the same as factual reporting.
For example, the fact is that Biden won the election fairly and won by 7 million votes. Some might spin this by suggesting that “he really only won by 50k votes because if only he got the 11,700 votes in Georgia and the [X] votes from Arizona, etc., he would have lost the electoral college! So, Biden didn’t really win by 7.0 million more votes.” This is misleading and not a factual statement.
Understanding the difference between these terms is crucial in distinguishing genuine news from misinformation and disinformation. Fact-checking, being transparent about sources, and promoting critical thinking are essential steps toward maintaining the credibility of reliable news media.
In conclusion, the erosion of news credibility is a complex issue rooted in misinformation, disinformation, and the rise of alternative information sources. However, by empowering ourselves with accurate information and critical thinking, we can combat the spread of false news and restore trust in our media.