Disinformation

February 29th, 2024

I abhor physical violence. The last time I was in a fistfight was in elementary school and I lost only because I refused to use violence and hit another human being. But I grant myself an exception now — if by any chance I met any asshole who in any capacity is a purveyor of news disinformation, I would gladly and with all my might start swinging my fists at that scummy face.

I try my best not to be taken by sensational headlines or relentless click baits. I am not always successful, but I think I found a way to balance my need to know what is going on with reputable sources while avoiding shitty and misleading news or outright fake news. But when I see others — for example, my mom — being taken again by disinformation predicting upcoming doom and mayhem, my blood boils.

There are problems around the world on a global and local scale that are terrible and depressing already, so why is there a need for some people and some organizations to turn it up a notch (or ten notches) to bring fear and despondency to others? Especially vulnerable and elderly people, who might not fully comprehend the scumminess of so-called journalists who only look for clicks and views — truth to be damned.

I don't like to see my mom being afraid because she has read something again that has some connection to real current events but is ramped up in the rhetoric of fear and immediate danger to such a level as to scare another human being for no reason, except maybe some sadistic fulfillment. If people like that don't care about others, I will not care about them — to the point of looking for a confrontation. It might not paint me in a good light, but I don't care.