Introduction
With the emergence of social networking sites and internet news sources, the problem of false information has become a significant concern in contemporary journalism. In his article “Fake News and the Future of Journalism,” Pablo Boczkowski discusses how fake news affects the authority of conventional news sources and how technology plays a part in disseminating false information. A comprehensive approach that incorporates stricter fact-checking procedures, collaboration with institutions that conduct fact-checks, and increasing media literacy among the general public is required to address this problem.
Claim
The propagation of erroneous stories using technology has made the rise of fake news a significant concern for the trustworthiness of conventional news sources.
Evidence
According to Boczkowski, the spread of fake news has triggered an uproar in the trustworthiness of conventional news sources because people are becoming less and less confident in the information they get from primary media sources. He points out that it is challenging for correspondents to fact-check reports before they are released because of how quickly and easily people can share information online (Boczkowski). Even after being refuted later, false information can propagate rapidly; as a result, individuals may resort to other data sources that are less trustworthy because they are less inclined to believe conventional news sources.
In addition, Boczkowski discusses how technology aids in spreading false information. He points out that, despite their integrity, social media heuristic designs prioritize material that is prone to attract engagement. This implies that erroneous information can spread through likes, shares, and remarks to reach a larger audience. According to Boczkowski, this results in a “filter bubble” effect where people are only introduced to data that concurs with their preexisting views instead of diverse viewpoints. As a result, individuals may find it harder to distinguish between fact and fiction.
Warrant
According to Boczkowski’s proof, fake news is a significant issue that threatens the reliability of traditional news sources and skews public discourse. This may result in people being less enlightened and involved in the democratic process, which has significant consequences for the viability of journalism. People may be more vulnerable to disinformation and deception if they can’t tell the difference between true and false news, which could threaten the pillars of democracy.
Counterclaim
Some claim that the increase in fake news is not consequential and that people can distinguish between trustworthy and untrustworthy information providers. They mention how propaganda and partiality have always been present in conventional news sources and how the web has rendered it simpler for people to access a variety of viewpoints. They might also claim that the emergence of citizen journalism and substitute media organizations has increased the media’s openness and responsibility.
Even though bias and propaganda are continuously prevalent in conventional news sources, the increase in fake news poses a qualitatively different problem. False news reports are purposefully created to mislead readers and can be challenging to separate from legitimate news. Additionally, since people can share information quickly and easily online, false information can spread quickly, making it challenging for corrections and denials to achieve the same effect they would have in a print publication. While independent journalism and substitute news services can offer insightful views, they are not exempt from the issue of fake news and, in some cases, might be particularly susceptible to it.
Conclusion
The proliferation of fake news is a serious issue that threatens the credibility of established news organizations and skews the public debate. According to Boczkowski’s evidence, the role of technology in disseminating false information worsens this issue by producing a “filter bubble” effect that supports false information and makes it harder for people to tell the truth from fiction. While some may contend that people can tell whether or not a source of information is trustworthy, the prevalence of fake news indicates that this is not always the case. As a result, news outlets and journalists must take action to fight fake news and regain the public’s confidence.
Work Cited
Boczkowski, Pablo J. “Fake news and the future of journalism.” NiemanLab, 2016. Web.