Jack Demmler
jd050918@ohio.edu
I was always taught at a young age "Don't believe everything you see on the internet." As a student studying journalism, that same lesson is promoted in a different way as I am taught to "seek truth." Truth is one of the major values of journalism. However, truth seems to be a major value that is always in question.
With the various technological advancements, news has become increasingly widespread. The many different media outlets have made it easier for news to be shared. However, with the increase spread of news brings an underlying threat.
While it became more evident during the 2016 Presidential election and during the Covid-19 pandemic, fake news has been around for many years.
One reason we see a rise in fake news is because it often seems readers will often sacrifice seeking the truth for strengthening their beliefs. Everyone has their own set of beliefs. It often seems that these beliefs are the driving force in what people read. For example, if there is a news story with a headline that presents itself being against what someone believes, they are less inclined to read it. Unfortunately, some media outlets will risk sharing truth for increased ratings by sharing false information that share people's beliefs.
According to the article The global rise, of 'fake news' and the threat to democratic elections in the USA, "This identity is reinforced through reading similar news stories shared via social networks, confirming their ideas and biases." People tend to only read things that echo their beliefs and rarely look for opposing articles to seek a truth.
The rise of fake news has presented a true threat to America. In fact, according to a study by the Pew Research Center, 68% of Americans say fake news impacts their confidence in government institutions. Furthermore 54% of Americans say fake news has a major impact on their confidence in each other.
The impact on the confidence in government institutions and each other, as well as the rise of fake news becomes increasingly evident in the political realm as well as during elections. Fake news has promoted a political polarization as people tend to only subscribe to news outlets that only support their political beliefs. The rise of fake news, and people believing in what they read regardless of truth presents a true threat to America.
The rise of fake news has put the values of journalists to the test as it brings up the question: What is more important: Sharing the objective truth, or getting higher ratings?
As citizens, we have a duty to stay informed. This responsibility requires us to seek the whole truth of every story, not just focus on the side that promotes our beliefs.
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