DocAndersen
There are two things that I know; I don’t do a good job of doing. The first is holding my tongue when someone is wrong or misguided. The second is when people are just cruel to others. Recently I have come to realize that it is ok to block people that are offensive on Facebook. I believe in the freedom of speech, but at some point, As a technologist, I understand that information can, at times be looked at in some different ways. In the software architecture world, we call that views and viewpoints. Based on my long time practicing I understand that views and viewpoints different. In fact, if we consider my favorite decision-making framework (John Boyd’s OODA loops) the very process of the Observation, Orientation, Decision and Action process is that you can modify the orientation of the observer thus changing both the decision and the resulting actions. Boyd’s original goal was to create a system designed to support faster decisions. In the OODA loop system, there are some critical feedback loops that provide both information and calibration.
I’ve read some posts lately that make me bring up the OODA loop and reality of decision making. First of all, when someone declares they have the only view or present only one side of an issue, check that. Type whatever it is they have stated and searched it on the internet. Find out where the concept really started and then, denote who shared it and didn’t read their stuff anymore. Disinformation is a really bad thing. For example, there is a huge movement in the US right now around the concept of FakeNews. The reality of the legal system of the United States is if an organization publishes news (online, broadcast or print) they are responsible for that information. If that information isn’t true or the source is valid they, the presenter can be sued for libel and lose their license. There truly is no such thing as FakeNews. There are people that don’t want information shared, but that doesn’t mean those that share it are sharing FakeNews.
There is a reason I stay away from political posts, More now than in the past. I used to do more political rants up until about three or so years ago. Now I try to present both sides. The reality of the FakeNews argument, however, is a serious one. There were, in 2017 more journalists jailed than at any time in the last five years. Washington, Monroe, and others said that a free press was the very foundation of democracy. A free press doesn’t get sent to jail for disagreeing and presenting validated information about the leadership of a country. Every time that happens our world is a little darker. The greatest skill a person has is the open connection to information, considering both sides before making a decision.
A well written and unbiased post and on a subject which I also have many thoughts on…I agree both sides should be looked at and presented not these one-sided articles…It is everywhere and very recently because of my views on a certain product…I was pointed(sent) the link to an article, of course, Moi couldn’t leave it there and went straight to the medical trial…The said article was half correct but had left out other valid comments producing a totally misleading article especially to a person who takes everything read as being totally kotcha… There should be more stringent rules on 3 minute videos and the ilk which are blatantly untrue and go viral..Like your thinking Scott 🙂
The short answer is hear, hear! I worry that the focus on marketing, allows the slippage of truth tot he right a little. Advertising only has to be factual, not truthful as you pointed out. The news has to be truthful and factual, with paid professionals who check it.
I always tell my kids that the internet is a wonderful ocean of information. But that they are standing on a 40 foot tower, and the deepest point of the internet is 1 inch. Jumping off the tower expecting a safe landing is not an option.
News organisations can make mistakes, but that does not necessarily mean that they are doing so deliberately, with the intention to deceive.
At least, that applies to most broadcasters in the UK, because they are not in the pockets of one political party. At election time access to the airwaves is strictly controlled – you cannot buy it in the way that it can be bought in the United States, for example.
The BBC goes out of its way to be even-handed – the very fact that both main parties claim otherwise at times is surely proof that they must be getting it right!
I agree across the board (by the by a US citizen recently accused the BBC of fakenews as well). The concept to me, that is alarming is the willingness without facts, to call a news organization fakenews. If you have facts, and can show that over the course of time the news organization intentionally fabricated or created stories, then by all means, accuse them of fakenews. Fakenews is vague term that has no meaning. But it is having a huge image.
Absolutely. When a prominent politician convinces himself that one broastacter is always wrong and another one is always right, one has to suspect he has little idea of what constitutes “fake”!
Sad state of affairs but well stated! I am going back to not posting political stuff for awhile. It just bugs me too much when people post the fakenew stuff about legitimate news sources.
I see I invented a new word in “broastacter”! An example of fake spelling, presumably!
I see more and more of the fake news. That is why I have backed away from watching it.
It can be frustrating at times, I agree.
I only watch the news for the weather anymore. I stay far away from any new. I only want to know the true.
Yeah the reality of staying informed can be truly difficult.
And here I am thinking all along that all news are fake news as it only present the view supported by either the writer or the owner of the media ?
I would argue that while it is true that in fact there is some slanting within the presentation or in the selection of stories, the news media as a whole works very hard to be in the middle rather than either extreme!
Maybe many people still euphoria with communication technology, mainly with the proliferation of social media and news applications, this makes us have to learn earnestly about this, also so as not to get hit by the problems it caused. Luckily various rules and policies have been updated.
I worry though Albert (and your points are well taken) that the incidence of dishonesty is allowed to expand.
Yep, Doc! Victims continue to fall, fake newsmakers, newscasters, and fake news objects.
I worry more about those who aren’t in the news, aren’t reporters with fact checkers and editors proclaiming that those that are in the media, are creating FakeNews. Just because someone in power doesn’t like what is being reported, doesn’t make it fake. It just makes it reporting.
yes we must watch both sides of the picture and investigate the fake news
Or, consider all news real but understand both sides~
You had described to be aware of something. c”,)
Watch, pay attention and ask questions about both sides. 🙂
I agree. We need to be vigilant, too. c”,)
Well said! Both sides aware at least of what the other is thinking. Don’t have to agree just have to know..
I hope people should research first before believing the certain news.
You make some great points. I just wish we could hear some good news for a change instead of everyone looking for anything bad to talk about.
I do as well. Although, with the incidence rising of people calling major news organizations Fake News (CNN, NBC, ABC BBC and so on) the number of journalists jailed has risen to an all time high around the world. It is irresponsible to use the term Fake news, even as a joke.
Good post !Very useful tips.
Thanks, being fair is something my father taught me.