Digging out misinformation confusion: Truth, Politics and People
The phrase “History is written by the victors,” often attributed to Winston Churchill, has roots that extend far beyond the 1940s (Phelan, 2019). Accepting this statement uncritically may lead to a passive acceptance of historical narratives, overlooking the irony and bias inherent in legacy media's monopolistic influence. In the post-truth era, where information consumers are heavily influenced by emotional appeals and confirmation bias, the ability to shape public opinion has become increasingly effortless (Thomson, 2020). This raises critical questions: How can we effectively filter information? How can we distinguish between what is real and what is false?
"Natural light in Steilacoom Park, WA" by Christian Gonzalez (December 25, 2012) (CC BY 2.0)
Before addressing these questions, it is essential to consider the broader context of the information age. While we live in a democracy of information with unparalleled access to diverse sources that shape our perceptions, the arrival of artificial intelligence adds a new layer of complexity. AI now autonomously generates articles, chatbot messages, and comments, often more convincing than human-generated content (Borz & Francesco, 2024).
As previously noted, discerning real from false is challenging. However, differentiating between misinformation and disinformation is even more complex. According to Molina et al. (2021), disinformation is a deliberate attempt to deceive, lacking factual evidence and often serving propagandistic purposes. Misinformation, by contrast, arises from opinion-based reflections have no intention to purposefully deceive and can appeal emotionally. A century ago, Edward Bernays din print said about an invisible government that manipulates public opinion for its highest good, he believed that the public unable think for themselves (Bernays, 1928). If those who shape historical narratives claim such privileges, perhaps we should adopt a more strategic and discerning approach.
One potential solution lies in cultivating autonomous research skills. Public libraries, for instance, offer free access to a wealth of resources - “Knowledge is power” Francis Bacon once said (Panovski, 2023). On the contrary, disengaging from primetime news might also prove beneficial, allowing individuals to allocate their time to more enriching pursuits. Cross-referencing information in multiple languages can further illuminate potential biases, as narratives absent from broader discourse are often indicative of targeted agendas.
Drafts by Christian Gonzalez (December 25, 2012) (CC BY 2.0)
In essence, consuming media requires a deliberate and reflective approach. This entails adopting habits that foster critical thinking and allow for thoughtful processing of information. Such practices empower individuals to maintain autonomy and make informed decisions. Ultimately, as we navigate the complexities of the information landscape, it is vital to prioritise the present moment—the most significant resource we possess.
References
Bernays, E., (1928). Propaganda. IG publishing New York
Borz, G., & De Francesco, F. (2024). Digital political campaigning: contemporary challenges and regulation. Policy Studies, 45(5), 677–691. https://doi.org/10.1080/01442872.2024.2384145
Molina, M. D., Sundar, S. S., Le, T., & Lee, D. (2021). “Fake News” Is Not Simply False Information: A Concept Explication and Taxonomy of Online Content. American Behavioral Scientist, 65(2), 180-212. https://doi-org.ezproxy-f.deakin.edu.au/10.1177/0002764219878224
Panovski, A., (2023, December 9). What did Francis Bacon mean by “Knowledge is Power”? The Collector. Medium https://www.thecollector.com/francis-bacon-knowledge-is-power/
Phelan, M., (2019, November 26). The history of “History written by the Victors”. SLATE. Medium https://slate.com/culture/2019/11/history-is-written-by-the-victors-quote-origin.html
Thompson, G. (2020). Post-truth public relations : Communication in an era of digital disinformation. Taylor & Francis Group.