Fake News and Slanted News: Eroding Trust and Drowning Democracy
Donald Trump’s presidency has exacerbated existing divisions, with partisan viewpoints framing his leadership as either a success or failure, highlighting a growing inability to share a common reality. This polarization is fueled by the proliferation of misinformation and misleading news, amplified by social media algorithms and generative AI, which allows for the easy creation and spread of false narratives. While combating fake news is crucial, research indicates that factually accurate but misleading news has a far greater impact, underscoring the need for solutions that promote critical thinking and transparency in information consumption. Ultimately, restoring a shared understanding requires not only identifying false information but also fostering open dialogue and access to diverse perspectives.
John Q. Hosedrinker