The advent of online news sources ironically regressed the world back to a time of pamphleteering. Because ‘facts’ often go unchecked, the common folk reacts to news based upon mere whims.
At the same time, news is becoming increasingly polarized because journalism is no longer exclusive to journalists. People contribute via social media, blogs and various online information services, while also bringing their personal opinions along.
Distinguishing logical, unadulterated opinions from biased ramblings is no menial task for the plebs of modern society. During breaking news developments, attention-grabbing headlines fool even the best of us.
Unfortunately, fact checking remains at the bottom of the public agenda. Even media themselves fail to fact check. “Trusted” news outlets such as Fox Newsand MSNBC find their reputations at risk due to frequent allegations of false reporting.
A quick PunditFact search of Fox News reveals a staggering 29 percent margin of error from the recently reported “facts” (not accounting for “half-truths”). PunditFact operates as a companion site to PolitiFact, which won the Pulitzer Prize in 2009 for its fact-checking of the presidential election.
Despite the available resources, mass media easily persuades the plebs of modern society. Sensational news spreads strong emotions among the public, and people react accordingly regardless of validity.
Social media users fall into the traps of satirical outlets like The Onion or Private Eye, which feature outlandish headlines such as “42 Million Dead in Bloodiest Black Friday Weekend on Record.” People being ignorant enough to fall for the jokes is like the eighth wonder of the world.
If mankind lacks a foolproof method of distinguishing fact from fiction, why do so few people question the news they receive?
A key issue lies in generational ignorance that plagues the masses and discourages free thought. Parents tend to raise their children to respect, listen to, and trust most authority figures, while deeming it “disrespectful” to challenge authority or conventional beliefs.
Assuming all the news and gossip you hear is true is a disservice to yourself. Besides possibly fooling yourself with so-called “facts,” your friends and family are potential victims of ignorance as well.
A recent meme claims that if you divide the Powerball prize money by the U.S. population, each person could get $4.33 million. If correctly calculated, the sum adds up to a measly $4. Countless friends and family members of mine have shared the picture, both fooling and embarrassing themselves falling for a sloppy hoax.
Twitter icon @jonnysun fabricated a rumor about Will Smith and his family. A myriad of tweeters shared the false post. Some even claimed to be in shock that @jonnysun came across the news so late.
Sun revealed his prank, and said he wanted to form a rumor “so crazy it has to be true,” while keeping it “just obscure enough that no one would fact-check it.” Sun successfully trolled the Internet only to advise the public to remain aware and not simply swallow “information.”
If you question the accuracy of info, do not waste time voicing your opinion, and absolutely do not spread fake news. Society does not need false information passed around like a pipe.
Save yourself from being a complete moron and validate information before you share it. Check yourself before you wreck everyone else.
Jacob Lyles is a 19-year-old mass communication sophomore from Alexandria, Louisiana. You can reach him on Twitter at @jacobwlyles.