On social media, veryone’s sharing, no one is taking responsibility
The president would rather limit us to his alternative facts. So would every politician, I’m sure. But that’s why we Americans revere press freedom, even as each political side complains about the content provided by the other.
Of course, Cruz and other partisans complain that Republicans and conservatives can’t get an even break. But so do liberals and Democrats.
Angelo Carusone, president and CEO of the liberal Media Matters for America, argues that conservative content has been not only plentiful but more often engaged by users, according to his organization’s studies.
I’m not surprised. Conservative movement fervor thrives on the internet, making celebrities out of the most outraged voices on both political sides — and tribes.
But the issues of fact-checking, balance and clearing out conspiracy theories ultimately have to rest with the consumer. Government oversight is still important, but for news consumers, “Buyer beware” is still the most valuable motto to remember.
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(E-mail Clarence Page at cpage@chicagotribune.com.)
©2020 Clarence Page. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
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