As the new decade
approaches, it’s interesting to compare where society was technology-wise in
the 2000s to where it is now. Social media, television, newspapers: sources of
information are more diverse than ever nowadays. Moreover, the increase in
deplorable events has hooked more and more people onto news networks. Climate
change and recently elected politicians’ statements are a few examples of these
news that attract public attention. Although a more aware society is always a
good thing, it becomes problematic when the credibility of the sources people
use to get up to date is questionable. Unfortunately, separating true from
false is often easier said than done. This struggle is due to the increasingly
politically and money-driven motivations of the “Breaking news!” media.
First off, algorithms
have become man’s best friend when it comes to sorting out what websites
consider true. Be it statistics or vocabulary, every detail is considered when
seeking the truth. This technological tool also compares different websites to
see which ones contradict the others. If one source is backed by trustworthy
experts, it helps identify the ones that say the opposite as false information.
Nevertheless, this technique is less efficient when it comes to texts that contain
both true and false information. For instance, there are articles that give
correct statistical percentages in the wrong context or yet again controversial
videos that come from movies used to “prove” the correctness of conspiracy
theories. Hence, there still needs to be someone behind the computer because
there are some things artificial intelligence can’t detect yet. Twisted facts
fuel xenophobia, and, even though algorithms and online surveillance reduce the
problem, it’s up to the viewer to choose for himself what to believe in the
end. However, the reflex of taking a step back and questioning information is
forgotten as a result of confirmation bias. This tendency to adhere to what
supports preconceived opinions generates a big demand for websites that make
extreme right-wing or left-wing claims.
In addition, with the
rise of the gap between the privileged and the underprivileged, these two
groups are blind to what the people on the other side of the fence are going
through. As a consequence, anything that lets them point fingers at the other
group fuels the satisfaction they derive from blaming someone else and
therefore becomes automatically believable for them. This problem can be
illustrated as a vicious cycle because the urge to find a reason to accuse the
other pushes people to keep coming back to the website, show or newspaper where
such statements are communicated. These platforms fuel the opinion they already
have on certain issues such as immigration or climate change. Truth be told,
publishing these kinds of stories doesn’t require much time or effort. Since
these platforms work with a strategy that allows them to earn money from views,
only a few clicks are necessary for them to get a sturdy pay cheque. The story that quickly comes to mind to
demonstrate this is that of the machine operator and nurse couple who created Mad
World News. This website which emits false allegations targeting people’s
anger has made the couple’s bank account skyrocket since the website’s launch.
A New York Times’ journalist calculated that the couple makes a
six-figure monthly salary!
In summary, even though
the news people consume nowadays is more accessible and diverse than ever, the
downside is that content is easier to alter and it’s harder to find those
responsible for these alterations of the truth. One such phenomenon that is on
the rise is “deepfakes” which uses identity forgery to discredit or support a
celebrity or politician. This technology is dangerous because no one is safe
from it. Since it is relatively easy to do, it doesn’t take long until videos
of a dictator or prime minister declaring war or showing lack of
professionalism contaminate the internet. Since it looks real enough for the
average person to believe, what prevents the leader of a country from believing
it too? Logically, the reaction would be as drastic as the video’s claim, which
could have huge consequences. It is clear that the solution to this media
crisis is for the justice system to make the Web more controlled and safer for
the vulnerable minds. The only thing that is uncertain is how long it will take
until these changes happen.
- Nicki Esfehani
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