After the Fact?: The Truth About Fake News

Journalists and politicians are not trusted to tell the truth as little as estate agents. This is because of neoliberal and centrist ideologies, unaccountable technology corporations, corporate and governmental mendacity, and complacent, shoddy journalism. Will we ever return to normal?

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 360 pages
Publication date: 10 November 2020
Publisher: Watkins Media

Why are journalists and politicians trusted to tell the truth as little as estate agents?

How can democracy function when everybody just believes whatever they want?

Will we ever return to normal?

Written in an engaging and accessible style for a broad audience, After the Fact? examines how neoliberal and centrist ideologies, unaccountable technology corporations, corporate and governmental mendacity, and complacent, shoddy journalism have combined to produce the political crisis we find ourselves in, and what the challenges will be if we are to survive it.

Using a wide array of issues and examples - from identity politics to conspiracy theories to corruption scandals - this book is an entertaining appraisal of our changing relationship to political truth, taking issue with standard discourses around fake news and post-truth.

The rise of social media and the internet has had a profound impact on our ability to access and consume information. While these technologies have made it easier for us to stay informed and engaged, they have also contributed to the spread of misinformation and fake news.

One of the main challenges facing democracy is the widespread belief in conspiracy theories and fake news. These narratives often spread quickly and widely on social media platforms, and can be difficult to debunk or verify. This can lead to a lack of trust in mainstream media and political institutions, and can undermine the democratic process.

Another challenge is the rise of unaccountable technology corporations. These companies have vast amounts of data and control over the algorithms that shape our online experiences. This can lead to the prioritization of sensational or clickbait content over accurate information, and can further undermine the credibility of media outlets.

Corporate and governmental mendacity is also a significant challenge to democracy. Governments and corporations often engage in deception and misinformation to advance their interests, and can use media outlets to spread their messages. This can lead to a lack of transparency and accountability, and can undermine the trust of the public in their elected representatives and government institutions.

Complacent, shoddy journalism is also a problem. Many journalists are willing to compromise their standards of accuracy and integrity in order to generate clicks or sell more newspapers. This can lead to the spread of misinformation and the prioritization of sensationalism over substance.

To address these challenges, there are several steps that can be taken. One of the most important is to promote media literacy and education. This can include teaching people how to identify and evaluate sources of information, and how to recognize and debunk fake news.

Another important step is to regulate the behavior of technology corporations. This can include implementing laws and regulations that protect the privacy of individuals and limit the power of these companies to manipulate public opinion.

Finally, it is important to hold journalists and political institutions accountable for their actions. This can include promoting transparency and accountability, and holding journalists and politicians responsible for their mistakes and false statements.

In conclusion, the rise of neoliberal and centrist ideologies, unaccountable technology corporations, corporate and governmental mendacity, and complacent, shoddy journalism have combined to produce a political crisis that threatens the foundations of democracy. To address these challenges, it is important to promote media literacy and education, regulate the behavior of technology corporations, and hold journalists and political institutions accountable for their actions. By doing so, we can work towards a more informed and engaged public, and a more democratic and resilient society.

Weight: 360g
Dimension: 131 x 197 x 31 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781912248735
Edition number: New ed