Some Opinions The importance of misinformation in journalism

Pierre Montcalm Laurent Jr., staff

M any would claim that journalism is plagued with “fake news.” It can be difficult to determine what is true and what is false these days, especially with AI chat bots that make writers like me seem like buffoons. But I want to make the claim that misinformation and so called “fake news” are actually good things. It makes a lot of sense if you think about it, trust me.

Basically, misinformation in journalism keeps the audience guessing.

“Honest” journalism spoon feeds the reader the truth like they are not smart enough to figure out what is a lie and what is not. Journalism that adapts the truth to be more engaging encourages critical thinking on behalf of the reader. News should not replace thinking, but when journalists tell the truth they might as well be replacing your brain with a papier-mâché brain made out of newspaper. If I tell you a story about a gas leak and only give you the facts, then what is the point in telling the story?

However, if I tell you a story about a gas leak and make the claim that it might be a government conspiracy, now I have you thinking.

Readers are used to accepting that a story gives constant truth and honesty, but this needs to change. Journalism and news have become passive. The audience is captive, and their minds are filled up with truth. In an ideal world, the readers and journalists expand. Once we start reading articles full of lies, our brains will grow three sizes, like the Grinch. audience would have their heads filled up with half-truths they need to sift out from a bunch of lies.

Telling the truth also requires zero skill, and as journalists we need to expect more from ourselves and more from our readers. Introducing the creativity of a lie or the bending of a truth would enhance journalism.

For too long, journalists have been the holders of truth. I say, open Pandora’s box. Allow misinformation to flourish, and you will see the minds of ivorybuffalo@themanitoban.com

A lesser journalist would hoard the truth like a dragon, only feeding you little morsels when they see fit. I would do the same thing, but I would give you lies too, which I proved would make you go out and find the truth for yourself. After all this, you still might not believe me. You might think that I am spewing 100 per cent nonsense. But do you know what that means? It means, for the first time in a while, a journalist taught someone something.