The Double-Edged Sword of Social Media: Fake News and Propaganda in Activism and Protests
How might fake news and propaganda factor into the use of social media for activists and protesters (e.g. 5G technology causing COVID-19, US's anti-lockdown protests, Trump using the term 'Chinese virus')?
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Introduction
In the digital age, social media has become a powerful tool for activists and protestors to amplify their voices and organize movements. However, this newfound power comes with a downside - the proliferation of fake news and propaganda. In this blog post, we'll explore how misinformation impacts social causes. with exampleds ranging from 5G conspiracy theories to anti-lockdown protests and the controversial term 'Chinese Virus'.
The Weaponization of Fake News
A Threat to Truth & Activism
Fake news is like a stealthy infiltrator in the realm of activism, posing a sever threat to both truth and the effectiveness if social movements. Misinformation, often disguised as credible information, can quietly seep into the discourse of activists, sowing seeds of doubt and discord. It not only blurs the lines between fact and fiction but also breeds confusion within the ranks of those striving for change. Social media platforms, the very tools that empower activists to reach vast audiences, paradoxically accelerate the spread of fake news, making it a formidable adversary. In this digital age, being aware of the menace is crucial, as it can create the foundations of genuine activism and compromise the pursuit of justice (Tong et.al 2020) (George, Gerhart & Torres 2022).
The 5G-COVID-19 Conspiracy Theory
A Viral Falsehood
One Glaring example of the potency of fake news on social media is the baseless 5G technology and COVID-19 conspiracy theory. This unfounded idea erroneously posited that 5G technology was somehow responsible for the global pandemic. Fuelled by sensationalism and shared relentlessly on platforms like Twitter and Facebook, these false claims gained alarming traction. The rapid spread of this misinformation showcased the power of social media in amplifying unverified narratives. This episode underscores the critical importance of nurturing critical thinking and robust fact-checking habits, serving as a stark reminder that in the digital age, discerning truth from fiction is a responsibility we all bear (Ahmed et.al 2020).
Anti-Lockdown Protests: A Breeding Ground for Misinformation
Protests in the Age of Misinformation
The anti-lockdown protests vividly illustrate the impact of fake news and propaganda in shaping real-world events. Social media played a pivotal role in not only mobilizing these protests but also disseminating misleading information about the pandemic. Misguided claims about the virus' severity, lockdown measures, and their economic consequences galvanized protestors. However, these gatherings, fuelled by misinformation, often ignored the health risks and undermined collective efforts to curb the virus' spread. The potential consequences of such protests are dire, as they can lead to increase infections, overwhelm healthcare systems, and prolong the very restrictions they sought to oppose, demonstrating how misinformation can fuel misguided activists (Ozduzen, Ozgul & Ianosev 2023).
The 'Chinese Virus' Terminology
The Power of Language in Activism
The controversy surrounding the term 'Chinese virus,' notably used by former President Trump, underscores the potent role of language as a propaganda tool. Such rhetoric can stigmatize and perpetuate discrimination against Asian communities. By labelling the virus in this manner, it subtly shifted blame and fuelled xenophobic sentiments, casting a shadow over global perceptions. Language, in activism, wields immense influence; it can unite or divide, empower or oppress. In this case, it underscored the need for responsible and inclusive language in social justice movements, emphasizing how words can shape narratives and perceptions, both locally and on a global scale (Kania 2022) (Darling-Hammond 2020).
Combining Misinformation in Activism
The Need for Media Literacy
To combat misinformation, activists must embrace media literacy. Encourage critical thinking, fact-checking, and responsible sharing on social media platforms. Point them toward organizations and resources like Snopes, FactCheck.org, and MediaWise, which empower individuals with the skills needed to navigate today's information landscape wisely (Adjin-Tettey 2022).
Conclusion
In the digital age, where social media serves as both a catalyst for activism and a breeding ground for misinformation, the nexus of truth and advocacy is at stake. Fake news, propaganda, and divisive language can undermine the very causes activists hold dear. From the 5G-COVID-19 conspiracy to anti-lockdown protests and the 'Chinese virus' controversy, the lessons are clear. We must fortify ourselves with media literacy, critical thinking, and fact-checking to discern fact from fiction. By doing so, we can ensure that our activism remains grounded in truth and empathy, amplifying voices for change while safeguarding the integrity of the causes we champion.
References
Adjin-Tettey, TD 2022, 'Combining fake news, disinformation, and misinformation: Experimental evidence for media literacy education', Cogent Arts & Humanities, vol. 9 no. 1, viewed 10 October 2023, <https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/23311983.2022.2037229>.
Ahmed, W, Vidal-Alaball, J, Downing, J & Segul, FL, 'COVID-19 and the 5G conspiracy theory: Social network analysis of Twitter data', J Med Internet Res, vol. 22, no. 5, viewed 10 October 2023, <https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7205032/>.
Darling-Hammond, S, Michael, EK, Allen, AM, Chae, DH, Thomas, MD, Nouyen, TT, Mujahid, MM & Johnson, RC 2020, 'After the Chinese Virus went viral: Racially charged coronavirus coverage and trends in bias against Asian Americans', Health Educ Behav, vol. 47, no. 6, viewed 10 October 2023, <https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7488172/>.
George, J, Gerhart, N & Torres, R 2022, 'Uncovering the truth about fake news: A research model grounded in multi-disciplinary literature', Journal of Management Information Systems, vol. 38, no. 4, viewed 10 October 2023, <https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/07421222.2021.1990608>.
Kania, U 2022, 'Snake flu, killer bug, and Chinese virus: A corpus-assisted critical discourse analysis of lexical choices in early UK press coverage of the COVID-19 pandemic', 10 November, viewed 10 October 2023, <https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36483982/>.
Ozduzen, O, Ozgul, BA & Ianosev, B 2023, 'Institutions of governance are all corrupted: anti-political collective identity of anti-lockdown protests in digital and physical spaces', Social Movement Studies, 23 August, viewed 10 October 2023, <https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/14742837.2023.2246920>.
Tong, C, Gill, H, Li, J, Valenzuela, S & Rojas, H 2020, 'Fae news is anything: They say! - Conceptualization and weaponization of fake news among the American public', Mass Communication and Society, vol. 23, no. 5, viewed 10 October 2023, <https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/15205436.2020.1789661>.
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'MTK Fight Night' results: Jono Carroll vs Maxi Hughes, Sean McComb vs Siar Ozgul in Wakefield, England
‘MTK Fight Night’ results: Jono Carroll vs Maxi Hughes, Sean McComb vs Siar Ozgul in Wakefield, England
Event: “MTK Fight Night“
Promoter: MTK Global
Commission: British Boxing Board of Control
Media: ESPN+ (USA), IFL TV (worldwide)
Date: August 12, 2020
Venue: Production Park Studios, South Kirkby, Wakefield, West Yorkshire, England, United Kingdom
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Super-Lightweight (8 rounds): Craig MacIntyre (10st 3lbs 10oz) vs Ishmael Ellis (10st 1lb 11oz)
Super-lightweight (6 rounds): Pierce O’Leary
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