Why are people so ready to believe misinformation? Why
aren’t people more critical of information that is obviously dubious or
far-fetched or not confirmed by anyone?
Thousands of people were willing to believe that a certain
woman police officer was responsible for arresting a man who was bleeding to
death rather than asking for medical attention (the man was Henry Nowak
in December 2025).
In fact the woman police officer had nothing whatever to do
with Henry Nowak’s death and had actually retired from the police force 18
months earlier. But that didn’t stop gullible people from falsely identifying
Christi Hill and turning her life upside down.
She has had to flee her home and move to a safe house
elsewhere to escape the vicious abuse that has rained down on her since she was
falsely accused. No doubt, as often happens, the misinformation will continue
despite the denials and her life will be in constant turmoil.
Personally I check news items very carefully if they look in
any way dodgy. If they don’t make sense, if they seem highly unlikely, and if
there’s no other news source corroborating the story, I give them a wide berth
and I don’t bother to comment.
There are enough true stories to assimilate without wasting
energy on the bogus.
Pic: Christi Hill
.................................................................................
There was anti-immigrant rioting just outside Belfast city centre last night (Tuesday). It didn't affect us as we're about two miles away from the riot area. But it must have been terrifying for any immigrants.
It's mind boggling, isn't it? Maybe they should pull the plug on the internet - it's no longer fit for purpose.
ReplyDeleteSx
Ms Scarlet: Ditto with AI. Who actually needs artificial intelligence? How will it improve our lives?
DeleteHonestly, it seems as though everyone wants to expect the worst in people. It's scary how this fake news gets spread.
ReplyDeleteBijoux: That's true, so many people expect the worst and will manufacture complete lies to justify their attitude.
DeleteThis all too human tendency is what has brought us to the state of disaster we currently see in the USA. Too many people WANT to believe lies and misinformation. I can't understand it.
ReplyDeleteColette: Indeed, this sort of thing is now all too typical in the States. As you say, why do people actually want to believe lies?
DeleteUnfortunately, the news stories here can be so bizarre one would assume it's false. Then you hear him open his mouth. Underlying fear and resentment open the door to believing what you want to believe.
ReplyDeleteSandra: Yes, there's a lot of fear and resentment.
DeleteI still can't believe how many people voted for Trump. And continue to support him in spite of the evidence of all his lies.
ReplyDeleteLinda
Linda: I can't believe it either. What on earth do they see in him?
DeleteI've often thought of getting a T-shirt that says, "Social Media Kills"
ReplyDeleteSean - get one for me too! I could write it out in calligraphy.
DeleteSx
Sean: That would be an eye-catching slogan.
DeleteI have to search so many times to make sure that the things I'm seeing on social media are real. Sometimes they are not.
ReplyDeleteMary: I often check out what I've read, as some things are just too unbelievable.
DeleteI always questioned everything. I take the time to find out for myself before taking the word of individual or publication.
ReplyDeletePaula: Me too. It's easy to get fooled by something that sounds amazingly real but isn't.
DeleteI simply don't do social media. On the rare occasion I do want to read stories online I go to Upworthy.com.
ReplyDeleteLinda
Linda: I avoid most social media myself. I have a Facebook page and that's it.
Delete