4 ms·

I think it's of interest now because you have a direct cause-and-effect scenario in place (e.g. fake news having some effect on the outcome of a US election). B

I think it's of interest now because you have a direct cause-and-effect scenario in place (e.g. fake news having some effect on the outcome of a US election). Beforehand, most people would have assumed that the fake news industry simply pandered to the conspiratorial crowd without any repercussions. It was harmless...not to be taken seriously. However, now we can see real consequences, which makes for a worthy story IMO.

rdtsc 10y ago
> you have a direct cause-and-effect scenario in place See I was not so sure about the direct cause and effect bit. That sounds a bit too dismissive. I am sure it has to have some effect but not sure that's the reason for an electoral landslide and Hillary delivering the worst Democratic performance in 20 some years, despite having experience, a mass media support, DOJ and POTUS on her side, a lot more donor money and resources. Saying this is because Macedonians brainwashed our citizens about lizard people or KGB agents seems dishonest.
- mtbcoder 10y ago
  I'm not saying it's the single, deciding factor as to why Clinton lost. I'm simply saying that we can now see the influence fake news has on something as pivotal as a US election. Prior to this, the effects would have been written off as harmless. This is why it makes for an important story and not some attempt at scapegoating.
  - rdtsc 10y ago
    > I'm simply saying that we can now see the influence fake news has on something as pivotal as a US election. Makes sense. I'd want to know the effect the fake new had. I suspect it is not as big as presented, at least not compared to the current hype about it. I am guessing you think it is more significant? > Prior to this, the effects would have been written off as harmless. Yap. I was joking the other day, I wouldn't mind a test before voting "Do you think Earth is flat?" / "Do you think lizard people run our government?" / "Is earth 5000 years old?". If they answer yes, they vote goes uncounted.
    - drdeca 10y ago
      That sounds like it could be a bit close to uncomfortable things... Also obviously people who believed those things could just mark "no", and it would probably also strengthen those beliefs in those that hold them. I disrecomend that plan.

rdtsc 10y ago

> you have a direct cause-and-effect scenario in place See I was not so sure about the direct cause and effect bit. That sounds a bit too dismissive. I am sure it has to have some effect but not sure that's the reason for an electoral landslide and Hillary delivering the worst Democratic performance in 20 some years, despite having experience, a mass media support, DOJ and POTUS on her side, a lot more donor money and resources. Saying this is because Macedonians brainwashed our citizens about lizard people or KGB agents seems dishonest.

mtbcoder 10y ago
I'm not saying it's the single, deciding factor as to why Clinton lost. I'm simply saying that we can now see the influence fake news has on something as pivotal as a US election. Prior to this, the effects would have been written off as harmless. This is why it makes for an important story and not some attempt at scapegoating.
- rdtsc 10y ago
  > I'm simply saying that we can now see the influence fake news has on something as pivotal as a US election. Makes sense. I'd want to know the effect the fake new had. I suspect it is not as big as presented, at least not compared to the current hype about it. I am guessing you think it is more significant? > Prior to this, the effects would have been written off as harmless. Yap. I was joking the other day, I wouldn't mind a test before voting "Do you think Earth is flat?" / "Do you think lizard people run our government?" / "Is earth 5000 years old?". If they answer yes, they vote goes uncounted.
  - drdeca 10y ago
    That sounds like it could be a bit close to uncomfortable things... Also obviously people who believed those things could just mark "no", and it would probably also strengthen those beliefs in those that hold them. I disrecomend that plan.