Fake News in Politics

From Digital Culture & Society

Keeping the Demos out of Liberal Democracy? Participatory Politics, 'Fake News' and the Online Speaker https://journals.scholarsportal.info/details/17577632/v11i0002/113_ktdoolpnatos.xml

Context

The Ian, Cram article discusses how liberal democracies are adapting to changes in communication patterns brought about by Web 2.0. There have been other articles in relation to fake news in politics globally, the article discusses common themes of speech in European free speech and UK. Questions are bing raised about the constitutional protection and the responsibilities of non-professional online speakers compared to traditional journalists. There is also discussion considering the risks of limiting political plurism and excluding non-professional voices from public discourse. This is an important factor that should be considered due to the fact that a lot of fake news is created by journalists looking to create false reports in order to provide a different perspective that may alter politicans' appearances and how individuals interpret them.

Overview

The article investigates the response of liberal democracies to shifts in communication due to Web 2.0. There is mention of queries the constitutional rights and duties of online speakers lacking formal journalism qualifications in comparison to traditional journalists. Not addressing main concerns such as this can lead to professional speakers from being excluded and misunderstood. Other individuals may not realize when information being shared and spoken of is fake, leading to confusion and conflicts. It introduces an agnoistic approach, positing that conflict is an intrinsic and continual aspect of politics. As stated from the article it addresses the prevalence of unsubstantiated rumours, factually inaccurate information, and misleading news stories in online speech (this includes on social media platforms and the internet). It discusses concerns raised by figures such as the Director General of the BBC and the Digital, Culture, Media, and Sport Select Committee about the impact of fake news on public discourse and democracy (Cram, 2019). Among that certain challenges have been explored of regulating deliberate dissemination of false information and the potential risks of restricting free speech in this context. By analyzing this as a way to prevent fake news being spread this is a beneficial idea considering there is fake news distributed all across the internet and some of it is meant to cause intentional harm. By protecting false speech, even intentionally false, may be worth exploring to preserve a diversity of ideas in public discourse (Cram, 2019). The article allows us to understand various ways in which content is created and the reasoning behind it, in hopes that we can broader our own perspectives. The article itself delves into historical and modern instances of propaganda, disinformation, and biased reporting by media organizations. The need for a constitutional approach to limitations on political expression is considered, and the article highlights the complexities of distinguishing between false statements and protected speech (Cram, 2019). Potential participatory benefits of digital speech within liberal democratic constitutions. Suggesting that user-generated content and subaltern public spaces can democratize speech, holding elites accountable and allowing for diverse opinions. These subaltern spaces, according to Nancy Fraser, emerge in response to exclusion in dominant publics, enabling citizens on the margins to engage in agitational activities directed at wider publics (Cram, 2019).

Strengths and Weaknesses

The major strength of the Cram article was his ability to be able to go into detail in regard to how fake news including: rumours, factually inaccurate information and misleading news stories in online speech is causing issues for journalists. Online speakers have more free rain to publicize their opinions, consider the fact that readers may not be able to easily identify the truth from the lies. It is important to realize how this affects professional journalists and influences the public.

A major weakness from the Cram article discussed main themes of speech in European free speech jurisprudence and UK policy. Although there may be some correlation globally based on the information provided, it may not apply to all countries as there are various circumstances (lifestyle, etc) and the information relays to Europe and mentions of UK policy.

Assessment

The article would be beneficial to audiences as it can highlight main issues fake news can cause from non-professional speakers sharing their own thoughts and opinions and the repercussions it causes for professional journalists. It can allow readers to be encouraged not to believe everything that is posted. Not all news is real news.

Gordon, Mordechai. “Lying in Politics: Fake News, Alternative Facts, and the Challenges for Deliberative Civics Education.” Educational theory 68.1 (2018): 49–64. Web. https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1111/edth.12288

Context

In the Gordon, Mordechai article discusses the impact of technological advancements, particularly the Internet and media culture, on the contemporary world and the need for critical media literacy. The importance of the article is to underscore the primary issues arising from social media and the internet, along with the consequences resulting from such activities. Given the interdependence between the public and journalists, it is crucial to examine the reciprocal relationship that exists. The prevalence of visual images, sound arranagments, and various media formats requires a shift in education to address these changes. Despite the ubiquity of media culture, the text suggests that many people are not aware of how media can distort representation of the world. The authors emphasize the responsibility to recognize the role of media in socialization and education, including its contrinution to the spread of fake news, alternative facts, and lies (Mordechai, G, 2018). The passage advocates for enhancing critical media literacy, especially the ability to distinguish between historical facts, opinions, and falsehoods in an era dominated by the Internet and communication.

Overview The article investigates the challenges posed by modern technology, especially the internet and social media, to the distinction between facts, opinions, and falsehoods. While Hannah Arendt recognised the contingent nature of factual and rational truths, the author argues that the rapid technological changes in the contemporary era have blurred these distinctions. As members of society we rely on internet and technology and ultimately succumb to what is presented online. The proliferation of online media outlets and the quick dissemination of information contribute to the spread of hoaxes and questionable claims. The report by Silverman is cited detailing how false information can gain credibility and become widley accepted due to its popularity (Mordechai, G, 2018). Critical media literacy is emphasized as a crucial skill in empowering students to distinguish between historical facts, opinions, and falsehoods in the age of the internet, where misinformation can rapidly circulate and influence public perception. The text also notes the issue of people mistrusting well-established facts, citing examples such as the doubts about Barack Obama’s birthplace and the causes of global warming (Mordechai, G, 2018). The text also explores the transoftion of the perception of facts, lies, and expert opinion in the context of online news media, highlighting the impact of technology on the dissemination of information. With this information being distributed causes great effects for professional journalists considering the public isn’t entirely aware of how to determine the truth from the fake news, mis and disinformation. The author reflects on the challenges to democratic civic education posed by the prevalence of fake news and alternative facts. Along with the acknowledgement on the alternative facts as well as demonstrated impact of misinformative on the space for truth, facts, particularly in politics debates. Drawing on insights from scholars like Englund, Hanson, and Howe, it has been suggested that the emergence of fake news complicates the task of engaging students in deliberative civics education (Mordechai, G, 2018). The author expresses concern about the diminishing space for truth and fact, emphasizing the need for scholars in the field to address this trend in their work on civic education. This is beneficial for

Strengths and Weaknesses

The major strength of the Mordechai article was his ability to analyze the ability to emphasize how false information gains credibility and widley accepted because of its popularity. The internet and online media outlets become widely reliable for the public becoming a main resource. It is important to realize the major impacts media can have on the public and what it can do in the long run.

A major weakness from the Mordechai article discussed main themes of fake news and disinformation and how modern technology, specifically the internet and social media cause challenges. Having such a large volume of content that is distributed makes it difficult for both journalists and citizens to keep track of correct falsehoods.

Assessment

The article would be beneficial to various audiences as it can highlight main issues fake news, and disinformation can cause to political debates, individuals around the world and in education in socialization. This allows readers to be affected and manipulated by non professional journalists as their intention is to distort the truth and turn into content that greatly benefits them and causes for more commotion online (more public attraction). Overall the article allows readers to be more informed in regard to issues posed by the internet and social media including information that can be posted/shared.

Lemos, André Luiz Martins, Elias Cunha Bitencourt, and João Guilherme Bastos dos Santos. “Fake News as Fake Politics: The Digital Materialities of YouTube Misinformation Videos about Brazilian Oil Spill Catastrophe.” Media, culture & society 43.5 (2021): 886–905. Web. https://journals.scholarsportal.info/details/01634437/v43i0005/886_fnafptvabosc.xml

Context

The Martins, Bitencourt, and Santos article discusses how liberal democracies have adapted to the shift in communication patterns brought about by the Web 2.0 era, mainly focusing on the emergence of online speakers lacking formal journalistic qualifications. The main reason of use for this article is to assist in analyzing how fake news can be spread within the political community. This can be seen as important considering politicans and those involved in politics rely on having press that is beneficial to their image. With this questions are raised in regard to these speakers should enjoy the same constitutional protection as professional journalists and be subject to the same duties and responsibilities. In the text frames current debates within the context of liberal elite and deliberative democratic accounts of political plurism (Martins, Bitencourt, and Santos. 2021).

Overview

The article investigates how the House of Commons Select Committee on Digital Culture, Media, and Sport’s concerns about online disinformation and its potential threats to democracy are discussed. With potential threats being a main issue it is important to recognize possible solutions that can be taken, public image is a valuable factor and needs to be maintain especially with politics. In the text there is the arguement for a more radical, agnostic model of political expression, ultimately emphasizing the democratic aspiration for self-authorship of laws. As well as the mention of the prevalence of unsubstained rumors, factually inaccurate, and misleading news stories in online speech. As there are concerns about the ease with which false content can be spread, leading to adverse consequences for both the public and private interests (Martins, Bitencourt, and Santos. 2021). A negative image can cause substantial damage and can be difficult to repair. Relationships are developed amongst those in politics and those who follow, with fake news being spread it can cause misinterpretations of those who follow politics/politicans. There is bipartisan agreement on the need to place new responsibilities on social media platforms to regulate manipulated information. The judicial perspective emphasizes the lack of public interest in publishing false or misleading information (unintentional false information) and disinformation (deliberate dissemination of untruths) is discussed, with upcoming consideration of arguments for the constitutional protection of misinformation (Martins, Bitencourt, and Santos. 2021). Having new responsibilities will in turn offer better opportunities for less false and misleading information for consumers to engage with allowing them to attain more accurate knowledge. However, on the other hand the instinctive response to deny any legal protection to deliberate assertions of factually false information about politics and societal affairs. While deliberate spreading of false information is seen as putting informed public debate at risk, UK law recognizes limited occasions where speakers are absolutely privileged, including in parliamentary proceedings or official reports, to encourage fearless legislative scrutiny (Martins, Bitencourt, and Santos. 2021). The issue of propaganda and disinformation is not new, and continues to be an ongoing issue. Citing historical examples like the Roman Republic’s final war and instances of media collaboration for politcal motives. It acknowledges that professional journalists and news outlets have not always been impartial or acted with professional integrity. Some of those examples include journalists fabricating material, accusations of plagiarism, and the infamous Zinoviev Letter revealing collaboration between the Conservativve Party, M15, M17, and the Daily Mail to discredit the Labour Party in 1924 (Martins, Bitencourt, and Santos. 2021). These examples demonstrate the amount of falsehoods there are and how fake news is not just within one section of content its multiple. It also reflects the unprofessional conduct, such as journalists uncritically reproducing government press releases, and notes that resource constraints on investigative journalism have increased the vulnerability of scrutinizing government conduct (Martins, Bitencourt, and Santos. 2021). The amount of unprofessional conduct from journalists has a great impact overall within the government as majorly disrupts the trust between the public and politics.

Strengths and Weaknesses

The major strength of the Martins, Bitencourt, and Santos was their ability to highlight the major issues that take place within the government and press. Professional journalists struggle to maintain a positive image with all the non professional journalists content being put out together. Causing major repercussions for the public and journalists themselves and opens more opportunity for those people to be taken advantage of for the wrong reasons and causes the government to step in and take responsibility for what is occurring.

A major weakness from the Martins, Bitencourt, and Santos article discussed main themes of concern for false content being spread, leading to adverse consequences for both the public and private interests (Martins, Bitencourt, and Santos. 2021). As this was mentioned specifically in the UK law and the US Supreme Court, both were applied as examples of the governments involvement of trying to account journalists of responsibilities. It is unclear if this is applied else where in other countries or mainly these two in particular.

Assessment

The article would be beneficial to audiences as it consider the issues that arise from fake news and highlights who is affected by these changes and why. It can allow viewers/audience members to be more aware of different intentions of content being posted and that there is main differences. Not all journalists have positive intentions and would rather benefit themselves than others.