People believe what they read to such an extent that we rarely check a published news story for accuracy so we can be easily taken in by whatever is reported. Even satirical stories are taken seriously, in stead believing them true and accurate. Here’s an example, a report at a web site, National Report, which has Ted Cruz and Sarah Palin pictured in masthead and advertising itself as “Americas #1 News Team”, but with the following disclaimer footnoted: DISCLAIMER: The National Report is an online portal for "citizen journalists". The views expressed by writers on this site are theirs alone and are not reflective of the fine journalistic and editorial integrity of National Report. Advice given is NOT to be construed as professional. If you are in need of professional help, please consult a professional. National Report is not intended for children under the age of 18. claimed Arizona had passed a gay-to-straight program that would be used in all its public school curriculums beginning November 1 authored by one of its staff writers. The post received 1,194 responses from people believing this report unquestioningly and responding with serious comments ranging from shock and anger to accolades for Arizona. (nationalreport.net/gay-to-straight-program-to-be-used-in-all-arizona-public-school-curriculums-beginning-november-1st/) For starters, National Report is a satirical web site. Its editor and staff are all satirists. Go to its Front Page and you find this piece, NASA: Water On Mars Proves Planet Could Support Riverboat Casino and Hotel, and under its Crime section, Ray Romano Death Correction: Mexican Immigrant Fact-Checker Fired. So 1,194 people never bothered to check out the source of their news – just believed what they read and ran with it as true and accurate.
Posted on: Mon, 26 Aug 2013 16:36:03 +0000
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