Recognizing fake news now a required subject in California schools::undefined

  • GodlessCommie@lemmy.world
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    1 year ago

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

    • DacoTaco@lemmy.world
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      1 year ago

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

    • nucleative@lemmy.world
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      1 year ago

      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.

        • killeronthecorner@lemmy.world
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          1 year 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.

        • SnipingNinja@slrpnk.net
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          1 year 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.

      • daltotron@lemmy.world
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        1 year 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?

    • John Richard@lemmy.world
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      1 year ago

      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.

      • aidan@lemmy.world
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        1 year ago

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

      • corsicanguppy@lemmy.ca
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        1 year ago

        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?

        • John Richard@lemmy.world
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          1 year 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?

    • SCB@lemmy.world
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      1 year ago

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

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