In the previous article we discussed the need for accurate information when presenting options to the public in referendums. The absence of such information led, at least in part, to Britain’s decision to leave the EU. This, however, isn’t the only example of bad information affecting an election.
Some link the rise in authoritarian regimes across Europe to the peddling of misinformation over the Internet. Both authoritarianism and social media emerged in this decade, and Facebook and other social media have provided a virtual megaphone for autocrats to push their message, 24/7, across their nations.
Further aiding the autocrat is the phenomenon that it is easier to promote misinformation—lies about candidates that stir dissension—than real information. For information to be accurate, it has to be based on facts, researched and corroborated from an authoritative source. Misinformation needs none of this. It can even be incoherent. It’s used to stir emotion—fear, distrust, hate—all of the things that cause people to stop trusting institutions and retreat into a defensive herd mentality. Into the chaos steps the autocrat, who tells everyone that he alone can fix things. He need not speak accurately nor possess any facts because he is playing on people’s emotions, not their intellect.
New tools and laws are needed to counter this. While taking down fake user accounts is a start, more sophisticated approaches are needed. Perhaps reputable websites that readily expose misinformation can be enhanced. Punishment for misinformation may also be considered. Closer scrutiny needs to be paid to whether misinformation that hurts someone or does damage to a society is truly protected speech. Ultimately, however, people need to know when they’re being played. Perhaps it will become a primary goal of public education to help future voters spot lies and deception. When these things become a reality, then people will make better decisions collectively.
References:
Timothy Snyder, “Fascism is on the march again. Blame the Internet,” Washington Post op-ed, 27 May 2018, B3.
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