this post was submitted on 21 Nov 2023
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Recognizing fake news now a required subject in California schools::undefined

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[–] [email protected] 19 points 11 months ago (4 children)

They need to expand on it and include propaganda, thats a larger threat to society than fake news.

[–] [email protected] 14 points 11 months ago

In my head fake news is propganda, so idk. Detect fake news and youll detect bullshit in propoganda as well i suppose

[–] [email protected] 10 points 11 months ago* (last edited 11 months ago) (2 children)

I learned how to identify propaganda in an English class in high school. Propaganda is such as evil sounding word, but Wikipedia calls it "communication that is primarily used to influence or persuade an audience to further an agenda"

That agenda might be widely accepted as correct - "killing innocent people is not good" - propaganda

Or of course it might be horrific - "xyz group of people is less worthy than everyone else and should be exterminated" - also propaganda

Or obvious - Posters that exclaim "Ice cream is delicious!" - still propaganda

It's crucial to recognize it quickly when material is influencing or persuading you, and to then give it a critical look. A good citizen will always be informed and able to recognize material that attempts to convince them to believe something as true.

[–] [email protected] 5 points 11 months ago (3 children)
[–] [email protected] 3 points 11 months ago

I mean, it actually is because they left out the rest of the quote:

which may not be objective and may be selectively presenting facts to encourage a particular synthesis or perception

It's also an example of Contextomy, which is sometimes a form of propaganda.

[–] [email protected] 1 points 11 months ago
[–] [email protected] 1 points 11 months ago* (last edited 11 months ago)

Propaganda, a term laden with historical connotations, refers to the systematic dissemination of information to influence or manipulate public opinion. While the word often invokes negative sentiments, it is crucial to approach its understanding with nuance.

According to Jowett and O'Donnell's "Propaganda and Persuasion," propaganda can encompass a spectrum of communication strategies, ranging from overt persuasion to subtle framing of messages. Contrary to its stereotypical association with deception, propaganda, when ethically employed, can serve as a tool for education and mobilization.

Historically, governments and various entities have utilized propaganda to rally support during times of war, promote public health initiatives, or advocate for social change. Recognizing propaganda's dual nature allows us to appreciate its potential for positive influence when wielded responsibly.

It is essential to approach information critically, discerning the intent behind the message and considering multiple perspectives. By doing so, we empower ourselves to engage with propaganda in a manner that promotes informed decision-making and a more nuanced understanding of complex issues.

Second try:

Propaganda, a complex term in the realm of information, involves strategically shaping messages to influence public opinion. It's akin to narrative engineering, utilized by entities like governments and advertisers to guide how we perceive things.

Consider it a form of communication chess, where some use it to foster unity, while others employ it to advance their specific agendas. Navigating the world of propaganda demands a discerning mindset, questioning the motives behind the messages and recognizing that not all information is presented transparently.

In the evolving landscape of information, understanding propaganda becomes a crucial skill, enabling individuals to sift through the noise, analyze content critically, and form nuanced perspectives in a world where narratives often compete for attention.

[–] [email protected] 2 points 11 months ago

communication that is primarily used to influence or persuade an audience to further an agenda

I always found this kind of funny. As opposed to, what, communication that's just for the speaker to assuage their own self-doubt? Is that really even a distinction that's possible to make, anyways?

[–] [email protected] 2 points 11 months ago (3 children)

But that would mean they could figure out when they are being manipulated by advertisers... and those advertisers are buddies with politicians on both sides of the aisle.

[–] [email protected] 5 points 11 months ago (1 children)

they could figure out when they are being manipulated by advertisers

If it makes you feel any better it almost doesn't matter how versed humans are in advertising, we can still be affected subliminally.

[–] [email protected] 1 points 11 months ago

Here is an alternative Piped link(s):

can still be affected subliminally.

Piped is a privacy-respecting open-source alternative frontend to YouTube.

I'm open-source; check me out at GitHub.

[–] [email protected] 4 points 11 months ago

Idk about you, but it school I remember at least a 4 times we had to make persuasive arguments based on advertising techniques.

[–] [email protected] 2 points 11 months ago (1 children)

buddies with politicians on both sides of the aisle.

You managed to "both sides" a situation where one of two parties primarily deals in objectively fake news. You made a point, but was it the one you wanted?

[–] [email protected] -2 points 11 months ago

I wasn't very clear. The more you educate someone, the easier it is for them to formulate a reasonable opinion. The more they understand the techniques that can be used to manipulate them, the more they can counter such techniques. However, I could write a news story about how a star guided three magi to Jerusalem approx 2000 years ago where baby Jesus was born by a virgin and schools can't say that is fake news... hell they'll be singing carols about it in school choir. And the Democrats will be using tax dollars to pay for people to lead them in prayer about it in Congress, and our currency will claim that we all believe in this holy divine spirit. To kids, a lie is a lie. Are you going to feed them the American Dream, and whitewash American History too before you teach them to recognize fake news?

[–] [email protected] 1 points 11 months ago (1 children)

There would be 0 communists if this happened. You sure you want this?

I mean, I definitely do, but there would be zero communists.

[–] [email protected] 0 points 11 months ago (2 children)

Communists are not the ones spreading propaganda. The US is the most propagandized country in the world.

[–] [email protected] 1 points 11 months ago

Lmao I guess we'll see