In recent times, Facebook has undergone heavy backlash for its dissemination of fake news despite being a self-proclaimed neutral party. Facebook has a massive user base, and a large proportion of those customers use the site as a news source. Fake news or not, it is undeniable that Facebook is a significant provider of information in the modern digital age.
Facebook provides an excellent environment for fake news to grow and flourish. Anyone can create a Facebook page dedicated to churning out misinformation, and these things can take off quickly. The news feed algorithm displays content catered to the individual and as such, creates an echo chamber that constantly exposes users to content they want to see, reinforcing their existing beliefs. In "How lies become truth in online America," Eli Saslow provides insight into what kind of person exactly consumes this misinformation: "Chaplain didn't believe everything she read online, but she was also distrustful of mainstream fact-checkers and reported news. It sometimes felt to her like real facts had become indiscernible — that the truth was often somewhere in between. What she trusted most was her own ability to think critically and discern the truth, and increasingly her instincts aligned with the online community where she spent most of her time." This is a person who believes in the pursuit of truth and critical thinking but has lost her way in an ocean of misinformation. This is a person who is lonely and whose sole human interaction is with an online community. She is neither evil nor stupid. She is misguided.
For me, this article really humanized this particular demographic and made me realize that anyone in a certain situation and environment can easily be led further and further astray by misinformation. That is exactly what Facebook is doing in a sense, using its algorithm to push these false narratives onto unsuspecting people. Sure, that isn't exactly Facebook's intent. But it can't claim to be a neutral party when its impact is anything but neutral — Facebook needs to take responsibility. It's not just a social media platform at this point. It's become something much more dangerous to the wellbeing of society, misguiding the most vulnerable among us.
Hi Qyun, I really liked how you had a clear stance on Facebook needing to responsible in regards to the circulation of fake news. One thing you could have done differently is add what exactly in the Eli Saslow reading made you realize anyone can be mislead. Was there a particularly Facebook post that lead you to your stance> I think if you added the example it would help really solidify why exactly you believe Facebook should be held responsible.
ReplyDeleteHi Qyun. I thought that your introduction grabbed my attention well by stating that Facebook claims to be a neutral party. I feel that many people don't realize that and it is a good point that you brought up. I also liked how you mentioned the reading earlier on and added the quote about Chaplain. The point that you made was really eye opening; most people are truly misguided. I would liked to see more explanation on why or how Facebook pushes certain narratives. Is it for their own benefit? I think it is definitely something worth mentioning. Overall, great post!
ReplyDeleteHello Qyun, I enjoyed reading your article and found it very engaging. The quote that you chose from Saslow's article fits your argument very well, but I feel as though further use of Saslow's article would have been very beneficial in cementing the point you were trying to make. For example, you say that "anyone can create a Facebook page dedicated to churning out misinformation, and these things can take off quickly." This would have been the perfect time to tell the reader about the Facebook page that is mentioned as Saslow's article, "America's Last Line of Defense", as it is a perfect example of how these Facebook pages can spread misinformation and provide the reader with concrete proof. With that said, I really liked the post and that you took a clear stance on stating that Facebook needs to take responsibility for the misinformation and false narratives on the site. Overall, great job!
ReplyDelete