How Two Hoaxes Took Down Journalistic Integrity
A catch up review of the 2006 Duke lacrosse team rape hoax story, and the 2013 UVA rape hoax and the aftermath.
Media: The report contradicts the headline
The report’s text refutes the headline. Sigh.
Media: How the media reported it versus reality check
“Irish man held in ICE says he fears for his life” and is missing his wife. Later, we learn he’s wanted on drug charges in Ireland and abandoned his kids. The story disappears from the media.
Social: The main purpose of social media is to make a fool of yourself
Once again.
The purpose of social media is to be misleading
Sigh.
Why do “plant-based” eating stories dominate media coverage of nutrition/dieting/eating?
Media stories about “plant-based eating” are 5 to 10x more common than the percent of people who actually eat that way.
Media: “In NY, Muslims are a political force”
For New York State, the share of the population that is Muslim is 3.6%, and 9% for NYC. Not a big political force.
Social: The serious problem and challenge of misinformation on social media
Misinformation (things that are not true) is widespread on social media. Often heavily promoted, untrue claims become viewed as “truth”. There is no easy solution to this problem.
Media: The high prevalence of bias in media reporting
Media stories have gender bias based on the topic. Travel, entertainment, and “domestic”/home stories are highly biased around women, while business and adventure stories are highly biased around men.
Social: More idiocy on X
The idiocy on X is off scale.