The Sad "Truth" of the Internet

The internet does let us see what everybody thinks for better or worse that is the truth these days. The internet allows anybody with access to voice their opinions, feelings, rants, and experiences online for everyone one to see. The internet essentially takes out the “gatekeeping” factor in which a select group of people chooses for you and what you could see and hear in the mass media. These people are influenced by their own ethics, morals, personal experience, political views and social standing which in turns makes them biased, in media these people are typically editors and producers and anyone in the organization that processes the information gathered to them. With the advent of the internet the flood gates are wide open and anyone can decide what to throw out for the world to consume, as well as the consumer can choose from many different “gatekeepers” to get their information/news/truth. A person can essentially choose their own reality or their Narrative paradigm basically how they want their stories/news presented to them, if you are conservative and lean right you can watch Fox News which will put a conservative spin on news, the same if you’re more liberal and lean left you could watch MSNBC which will put a liberal spin on the news.

Public forums such as Reddit and comment sections on news articles and in social media aren’t really informative of the truth in issues or news. If you have ever seen an actual debate ( a college one or high school one) the parties come prepared with facts, logic, speeches, and rebuttals prepared by opposing views. This simply does not happen on the internet. Due to anonymity on the internet can have “online disinhibition” in which you can be bolder and emotion filled and disregard the facts to make your voice heard and felt. This will not actually work to persuade anybody nor is it going to, persuading someone takes time and you need to reach that particular person with a narrative that will be personal to them. As in the article “Why do argue online?” by Patrick Frayne most people post comments and argue to find people like themselves or to reaffirm their own beliefs. The ranting and arguing online can be seen as deferred from arguing with one’s parents, friends, or coworker, can be also seen as use and gratification from the internet as well.