Fake News?

Never before has anyone stopped to explain exactly what IS fake news. You just see it on the news as a headline, during a press conference, or sadly, smeared all over President Trump’s twitter. There is a distinct difference between fake news and faulty journalism. Fake news is the complete fabrication of information to undermine people and convince them of untrue information. While bad journalism is the publication of information including wrongful information due to editing and proper fact checking. But somehow, the term Fake news is pinned on everything we disagree with or simply don’t like. It’s rather interesting and scary how this term has turned into a scapegoat. We use it to avoid questioning and pin blame on others. I am truly upset and angry that someone as powerful as the President can use such language and get away with it. I feel that the truth is people don’t understand that questioning our leaders is exactly what keeps them in check and gets our questions answered. Even people who disagree with something should still make sure their leaders are LEADERS and not leaving any questions unanswered. I feel that “Fake News” is our new “no.” It’s imperative that we understand the true definition of the term and stop using it simply whenever we feel like it. I’m watching all of the presentations in class, it’s apparent how many different ways organizations, websites, and even individuals use click bait and filter bubbles to suck us in. As a nation, we need to be able to filter through all of these challenging tactics used by people, not in our best interest. I am learning that it’s necessary to keep an open mind and listen to my opposing neighbors, in hopes that I will be able to critically analyze what I hear. Instead of shutting others out, we need to open up to them in order for them to do the same for us. In all this hate and opposition, we need to have the skills in order better understand each other. More importantly, we need to work together to prevent the Fake News media from overtaking us.