4 ms·

Dude.. People are literally paying the government money (tax) to have them brainwashed. Society in 2019 sure as hell is fun..

tapland 8y ago
Whoever is governing has always had the opportunity to influence others, because whatever media of the time reports in some way about what is happening at the governing levels of society. This is not a 2019 problem.
- tenpies 8y ago
  While I agree, I think it's getting worst globally. Canada, for example, now has a $600 million budget item dedicated to "helping the media". There is no amount of process, bureaucracy, or impartiality that makes me think this doesn't change how journalists report about the government, even if it's unconscious.
- justaguyhere 8y ago
  The scale, ease, speed and reach of the tools for media manipulation in 2019 is very scary compared to those in the past. And it is only going to get worse. Russia is said to have spent very little money in meddling with other countries' elections using the media, for a fantastic ROI. This wasn't possible in the past.
  - tapland 8y ago
    Yes. Streamlining communication doesn't always bring benefits. We need to sort something out that works when everything is instant.
avaika 8y ago
Well. I live in authoritarian country (which I'm not proud of). I do pay taxes. I know there's a lot of brainwashing in mass media (which I don't listen to). Corruption is everywhere. Any opposition activity is suppressed by government hard enough. You need some balls to organize an event (most likely organizer will end up in prison for at least a few weeks afterwards). Even though I don't really want to relocate at this point (might sound crazy, and I'm already not sure for how long I won't change my mind). So. What are my options, so it won't be as hell is fun?
- ryanwaggoner 8y ago
  I'm sorry. That sounds terrible. I think many are too quick to just say "move somewhere else!" without thinking through all the economic, social, familial, cultural, and legal ties that bind us to a place. Not to mention the fact that societies generally only improve because of the efforts of the population who determines they should stay and fight rather than flee. But I can't blame anyone for taking either of those paths, or even just keeping their head down and trying to muddle along. No easy answers.
sctb 8y ago
Please don't post unsubstantive comments like this in tinderbox threads. We don't learn anything and just get riled up. https://news.ycombinator.com/newsguidelines.html https://news.ycombinator.com/newsguidelines.html
- skilled 8y ago
  OK ok... Sorry.

tapland 8y ago

Whoever is governing has always had the opportunity to influence others, because whatever media of the time reports in some way about what is happening at the governing levels of society. This is not a 2019 problem.

tenpies 8y ago
While I agree, I think it's getting worst globally. Canada, for example, now has a $600 million budget item dedicated to "helping the media". There is no amount of process, bureaucracy, or impartiality that makes me think this doesn't change how journalists report about the government, even if it's unconscious.
justaguyhere 8y ago
The scale, ease, speed and reach of the tools for media manipulation in 2019 is very scary compared to those in the past. And it is only going to get worse. Russia is said to have spent very little money in meddling with other countries' elections using the media, for a fantastic ROI. This wasn't possible in the past.
- tapland 8y ago
  Yes. Streamlining communication doesn't always bring benefits. We need to sort something out that works when everything is instant.

avaika 8y ago

Well. I live in authoritarian country (which I'm not proud of). I do pay taxes. I know there's a lot of brainwashing in mass media (which I don't listen to). Corruption is everywhere. Any opposition activity is suppressed by government hard enough. You need some balls to organize an event (most likely organizer will end up in prison for at least a few weeks afterwards). Even though I don't really want to relocate at this point (might sound crazy, and I'm already not sure for how long I won't change my mind). So. What are my options, so it won't be as hell is fun?

ryanwaggoner 8y ago
I'm sorry. That sounds terrible. I think many are too quick to just say "move somewhere else!" without thinking through all the economic, social, familial, cultural, and legal ties that bind us to a place. Not to mention the fact that societies generally only improve because of the efforts of the population who determines they should stay and fight rather than flee. But I can't blame anyone for taking either of those paths, or even just keeping their head down and trying to muddle along. No easy answers.

sctb 8y ago

Please don't post unsubstantive comments like this in tinderbox threads. We don't learn anything and just get riled up. https://news.ycombinator.com/newsguidelines.html https://news.ycombinator.com/newsguidelines.html

skilled 8y ago
OK ok... Sorry.