Alternate realities don’t just exist in politics – and not all falsehoods are lies. Distortions of the truth can range from a normal part of human nature to pathological.
In Africa, the idea of a post-truth era - which by implication fundamentally presupposes the existence of an era in which ‘truth’ was self-evident - is folly.
White House spokesman Sean Spicer and senior advisor Kellyanne Conway chat.
REUTERS/Jonathan Ernst
David Craig, USC Annenberg School for Communication and Journalism e Stuart Cunningham, Queensland University of Technology
Content creators with millions of fans are increasingly willing to voice their political views. Their influence on American politics may be in its infancy but it is growing fast.
It’s not alternative facts we need to worry about, it’s the fact that moguls still dominate the media, both old and new.
South Africans queue to vote in the 2016 municipal elections. The governing ANC is accused of wanting to generate ‘fake news’ to influence voters.
Reuters/Mike Hutchings
The planting of messages and countering narratives in the media is not new. It’s part and parcel of contemporary politics especially during elections. The internet simply makes an old problem worse.
Demonstrators protest against censorship by the South African Broadcasting Corporation.
Reuters/Mike Hutchings
It’s vital that the problems at the South African Broadcasting Corporation be fixed in the public interest and for democracy, given its wide media reach in the country.
Dramatic. But also fictitious, like The Sun’s article.
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The reporting of crackpot theories as news by mainstream news outlets only damages the credibility of the media and science, and undermines public trust in both.
Unrestricted access to information is vital to a vibrant democracy.But if this information is inaccurate, biased or falsified, the fundamental freedom of informed choice is denied.
It’s far too easy to type in haste and repent at leisure.
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The issues of accessibility, communication and connection are especially relevant when it comes to understanding why so many people vent their spleen on social media.
Ready to serve.
Google search page via shutterstock.com
Since the 19th century academic librarians have helped students navigate the complex world of information. In today’s unpredictable information environment, how might they rethink their role?