Fake news
The terms fake news has been in vogue recently. It seems to be used when one wants to discredit a news story whether there is any solid evidence that the story was untrue or not. It is also used to discredit or correct those stories which are actually untrue. Fake news which is actually untrue has been traditionally known by many other names such as propaganda, white papers, spinning a story and a host of other euphemisms. The only thing that has changed regarding fake news is the fact that we have nearly an unlimited number of means to disseminate such news and an amazing array of technology which can alter video, photographs and other forms of “evidence”.
Clearly, one of the challenges of our educational system in this and other countries is going to be to teach our children critical thinking and solid research or investigative skills. Just this morning I read articles about the “reasons” the United States needs to support and protect the coal industry and the use of coal fired plants. I also listened to a TED talk about the direct and indirect damage done to the environment and people by mountain top mining. I have read a number of reports offering convincing evidence that the number of people contracting and getting black lung disease has dramatically increased in recent years.
I have listened to and read an equal number of stores supporting and decrying the fracking method of extracting natural gas, the damage to the ecology by pipe lines and potential damage of leaking or broken pipe lines.
There are a significant number of stories or alleged scientific studies supporting and criticizing the use of solar and wind energy.
One can pick any number of subjects which are or should be of vital concern to all of us and find the name number of convincing stories or reports in favor of and against. Often, there is some measure of truth in both sets of stories.
How do we train ourselves and our children to think critically? Obviously, none or few of us has time to conduct or caused to be conducted longitudinal studies which provide evidence with which we have more faith. There may be some questions which we can ask and/or research. These include:
Often the most important question pertains to my gut feeling. I may not yet be able to identify any solid reasons for this feeling, but a very large percentage of the time my gut tells me something is not quite right or correct. This is true regarding local, state, national and international issues. It is also true in my “personal” life. I always know when something is off in a relationship. Occasionally, what is off is the fact that someone is planning a lovely birthday surprise or some other gift. Fortunately, that situation is usually short term and, thus, quickly resolved. Other times I need to press to find out what is going on. I can deal with just a about any situation once I know with what I need to deal. I may be sad, disappointed or even momentarily angry, but I will handle it.
The avalanche of new “information” is both a blessing and a burden. Yet, we have no choice except to find ways to sort through this information using the guidelines I have mentioned. We can also, however, take breaks from all non-emergency news reports. Some families and individuals do this on a daily basis. Others do it less often.
Written June 4, 2018
The terms fake news has been in vogue recently. It seems to be used when one wants to discredit a news story whether there is any solid evidence that the story was untrue or not. It is also used to discredit or correct those stories which are actually untrue. Fake news which is actually untrue has been traditionally known by many other names such as propaganda, white papers, spinning a story and a host of other euphemisms. The only thing that has changed regarding fake news is the fact that we have nearly an unlimited number of means to disseminate such news and an amazing array of technology which can alter video, photographs and other forms of “evidence”.
Clearly, one of the challenges of our educational system in this and other countries is going to be to teach our children critical thinking and solid research or investigative skills. Just this morning I read articles about the “reasons” the United States needs to support and protect the coal industry and the use of coal fired plants. I also listened to a TED talk about the direct and indirect damage done to the environment and people by mountain top mining. I have read a number of reports offering convincing evidence that the number of people contracting and getting black lung disease has dramatically increased in recent years.
I have listened to and read an equal number of stores supporting and decrying the fracking method of extracting natural gas, the damage to the ecology by pipe lines and potential damage of leaking or broken pipe lines.
There are a significant number of stories or alleged scientific studies supporting and criticizing the use of solar and wind energy.
One can pick any number of subjects which are or should be of vital concern to all of us and find the name number of convincing stories or reports in favor of and against. Often, there is some measure of truth in both sets of stories.
How do we train ourselves and our children to think critically? Obviously, none or few of us has time to conduct or caused to be conducted longitudinal studies which provide evidence with which we have more faith. There may be some questions which we can ask and/or research. These include:
- Who benefits monetarily from the conclusions of the reports? Do the person doing the study or the persons financing the study have a vested interest in the results.
- Who benefits politically from the conclusions of the reports?
- Can one use commonly accepted scientific rules or principles to ascertain the validity and reliability of the research?
- Do the reports seem to violate a “gut” feelings? What is the possible source of that gut feeling?
- Are their organizations or individuals without any vested interest in the results which have carefully reviewed available research reports?
- Are we able to come to a decision while sill staying open to future new evident with may support or dispute the conclusion we have come to accept?
- Are we relying only on like-minded friends/colleagues to validate opinions?
Often the most important question pertains to my gut feeling. I may not yet be able to identify any solid reasons for this feeling, but a very large percentage of the time my gut tells me something is not quite right or correct. This is true regarding local, state, national and international issues. It is also true in my “personal” life. I always know when something is off in a relationship. Occasionally, what is off is the fact that someone is planning a lovely birthday surprise or some other gift. Fortunately, that situation is usually short term and, thus, quickly resolved. Other times I need to press to find out what is going on. I can deal with just a about any situation once I know with what I need to deal. I may be sad, disappointed or even momentarily angry, but I will handle it.
The avalanche of new “information” is both a blessing and a burden. Yet, we have no choice except to find ways to sort through this information using the guidelines I have mentioned. We can also, however, take breaks from all non-emergency news reports. Some families and individuals do this on a daily basis. Others do it less often.
Written June 4, 2018
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