Fake News in Politics

From Digital Culture & Society

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Revision as of 01:08, 4 December 2023

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.