The conflict in Gaza, as with other recent conflicts, highlights the dangers of disinformation. It has become harder to separate the wheat from the chaff in communication, journalism, propaganda, and politics.
The changing political economy of information is appealing to many. The increasing influence of individuals and organisational special interests has facilitated a growth in sources of “alternative” information and expertise.
The flood of information has long existed, either with the talking drums that disseminated news of ceremonies and commands or ‘beat the drum’ for an idea, such as the drumbeat for war in Iraq because of weapons of mass destruction. Assessing the trustworthiness of information is complex, even when it comes from official sources.
Thanks to information and communication technology, the Internet and social media have emerged as powerful communication mediums. Everyone has a voice. However, the problem with information pollution is not with the Internet but with the users. The Internet doesn’t create polarisation; it just provides us with more related material.
One of the difficulties with information overload – and manipulation - is that it seizes an individual’s critical thinking skills. Michael Lynch says in his article 'The Disturbing Power of Information Pollution' that when citizens don’t know what is true, they become doubtful and unable to know what to believe. The information we get often reflects our use of the Internet, and therefore, it inflates our bubbles. Researchers argue that culture shapes the way we perceive and respond to information overload.
That is not all; it should be a real concern how information pollution affects children and young users. With children being active users of online resources (learning or playing), they do not always have the cognitive and emotional capacity to distinguish between reliable and unreliable information. As a result, not only can they be harmed by mis/disinformation, but they may also spread it among their friends.
Like children, many adults also lack the cognitive ability to distinguish information. Family background, personality, and skills not just affect children but also adults’ understanding of facts and reliable information, bearing in mind that emotions can affect how people search for evidence to validate their perspectives! Information and digital literacy are needed as part of the school curriculum.
Another challenge is to develop information and digital literacy for mature people. They consume a lot of information and are concerned about news and current affairs, yet they are unaware of the negative consequences of misinformation. The impact of false narratives spreads into the real world. In the Middle East, disinformation can cause undesirable consequences.
We live in a time when fake news can mean anything one disagrees with because the term has become more politicised. Fake news, a term that dates back to the 1890s, is just one form of information pollution. Other types are propaganda, political advertising, and press briefings to assert falsehoods. Satire or hoaxes, in addition to misinformation (when false information is shared, but no harm is meant), and disinformation (when false information is knowingly shared to cause harm), out-of-date or incorrect information, rumours, and fabricated content, are different styles of information pollution, and the Internet is rife with examples.
Nevertheless, disagreeing does not constitute fake news or being a dissident. Reasoning is a component of social development, and within that are portions of agreements and disagreements. Dialogue is a way to enhance critical thinking skills and increase the probability of eliminating the dissemination of malicious communication.
Scholars claim that the spread of misinformation and the lack of robust journalism contribute to information pollution, which poses a growing global problem. From a sociological perspective, researchers argue that information pollution explains society's apathy toward issues such as politics, health concerns, and scientific advancements.
The success of the chaff results from the ignorance of the public.
Oman Observer is now on the WhatsApp channel. Click here
