As an investigative journalist, I have spent the last week researching the topics of media censorship and government propaganda. My journey began with reading the dystopian novel “1984” by George Orwell, a book that has been widely studied and referenced for decades. The story depicts a totalitarian society in which the government controls all aspects of citizens’ lives, including their thoughts and beliefs. While the novel is a work of fiction, its themes and warnings have become increasingly relevant in today’s world.
In my research, I discovered several articles and studies that support the idea that media censorship and government propaganda are not just theoretical concepts but are happening in real life. One such study was conducted by the Pew Research Center, which found that 71% of Americans believe that the media intentionally report false or misleading information. This statistic highlights the growing concern among the public about the reliability of information presented by media sources. However, is this growing notation grounded in truth or is it just common folk questioning their own government?
Additionally, I came across an article in The Guardian that revealed how Facebook’s algorithm had been used to manipulate the emotions of its users during an experiment. The study involved altering the content that appeared in users’ news feeds to see if it could affect their moods. As many of you know, mental health problems have been ever-increasing in the United States. From depression to suicide, there have been many issues recently. After reading this article, one may infer that Facebook (and other social media companies) play a part in this mental health pandemic. Are they partially to blame for this problem? Do they have any ethics or morals that stop them from performing in these ways?
In light of these findings, it is clear that there is a growing need for the public to be cautious about the information they consume and where it comes from. It is essential to question the credibility of sources and be aware of the potential biases of those who create and curate content. This is especially true when it comes to information presented by government officials or state-run media outlets. The rise of fake news and misinformation has made it more important than ever for individuals to fact-check and verify the information before accepting it as true. As Orwell wrote in 1984, “The Party told you to reject the evidence of your eyes and ears. It was their final, most essential command.” We must be vigilant in protecting our ability to think critically and form our own opinions based on accurate information.