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Post Truth:Word of the Year 2016
Definition of Post Truth:
"Relating to or denoting circumstances in which objective facts are less influential in shaping public opinion than appeals to emotion and personal belief."
Information about Post Truth:
Post-truth refers to a cultural and political context where emotional appeals and personal beliefs have more influence on public opinion than objective facts. This term became widely recognized in the 21st century, particularly during significant events like the 2016 U.S. presidential election and the Brexit referendum.
In a post-truth environment, people are more likely to accept arguments that align with their emotions and pre-existing beliefs, even if those arguments contradict factual evidence. This phenomenon is often linked to the rise of social media, which facilitates the rapid spread of misinformation and echo chambers where individuals are exposed primarily to information that reinforces their views.
The concept of post-truth challenges traditional notions of truth and objectivity, emphasizing how truth can be perceived and manipulated in modern communication and politics. It highlights the growing importance of critical thinking and media literacy in discerning reliable information from misleading or false narratives.
Characteristics of the post-truth era:
Emotional Appeal Over Facts: In a post-truth context, emotional responses and personal beliefs often outweigh factual accuracy. This can lead to the spread of misinformation and disinformation.
Polarization: Post-truth environments are marked by deep divisions and polarized views. People tend to align with information that confirms their pre-existing beliefs, leading to echo chambers.
Misinformation and Fake News: The deliberate spread of false information, conspiracy theories, and fake news is a hallmark of post-truth politics. This is often done to manipulate public perception and advance specific agendas.
Distrust in Traditional Media: There is a growing skepticism towards mainstream media and traditional sources of information. This distrust fuels the consumption of alternative media sources, which may not adhere to the same standards of accuracy.
Manipulation of Information: Information is often manipulated or selectively presented to shape public opinion. This can involve the use of misleading statistics, out-of-context quotes, and other tactics to create a desired narrative.
Role of Technology: Social media and digital platforms play a significant role in the post-truth era. They facilitate the rapid spread of information (and misinformation), making it easier for false narratives to gain traction.
These characteristics highlight the complex and often troubling dynamics of the post-truth era.Post-Truth Politics
Example of Post-Truth:
Brexit Referendum (2016):
One of the most widely cited examples of a "post-truth" phenomenon is the Brexit referendum held in the United Kingdom in June 2016. The campaign to leave the European Union (EU), known as the Leave campaign, is often associated with post-truth politics because it frequently relied on emotional appeals and misleading or false information rather than verifiable facts.
Key Elements of Post-Truth in the Brexit Campaign:
1. Emotional Appeals over Facts:Slogan:
"Take Back Control":
This was a central slogan of the Leave campaign. It played on voters’ fears about losing sovereignty and control over immigration and laws, despite the complexities of how EU membership actually worked. The slogan resonated emotionally, even though many aspects of control, such as trade regulations, would still be negotiated with the EU.
2. Misleading Claims:The £350 Million Claim:
The Leave campaign famously used a claim that the UK was sending £350 million a week to the EU, and suggested that this money could instead fund the National Health Service (NHS).Reality: This figure was misleading because it did not account for the rebate the UK received from the EU or funds that returned to the UK through subsidies and grants. After the referendum, prominent campaigners admitted that the money would not necessarily be redirected to the NHS.
3. Focus on Immigration Fears:
The campaign emphasized concerns about immigration, often invoking the fear of uncontrollable borders. Visual materials, such as the infamous "Breaking Point" poster depicting a long line of refugees, stirred anxieties, though the image had no direct connection to EU immigration policies or the UK.
4. Disregard for Expert Opinions:
Throughout the campaign, Leave supporters dismissed warnings from economists, financial institutions, and political analysts about the potential negative consequences of leaving the EU.
Michael Gove, a leading figure in the Leave campaign, famously remarked: "People in this country have had enough of experts." This statement epitomized the post-truth attitude of prioritizing personal belief and emotion over factual, expert advice.
Consequences of Post-Truth Dynamics in Brexit:
Polarization:
The referendum deeply divided the UK, with emotions running high on both sides. Debates often centered on national identity and sovereignty rather than practical considerations of trade, economy, or legal frameworks.
Misinformation Fallout:
After the vote, many voters expressed regret or frustration, feeling they had been misled by false promises, especially around issues like NHS funding. The term "Bregret" (Brexit regret) gained traction in the media.
Long-Term Uncertainty:
The decision to leave the EU led to years of complex negotiations and economic uncertainty. Many of the promises made by the Leave campaign were not easily fulfilled, highlighting the gap between rhetoric and reality.
Why Brexit is a Post-Truth Example:
Definition of Post-Truth: The term describes situations where objective facts are less influential in shaping public opinion than appeals to emotion and personal belief.
In the Brexit case, emotions about national pride and fears about immigration overrode expert analysis and factual corrections. The campaign's success illustrated how powerful emotional narratives can be, even when based on misleading information.
This example showcases how post-truth politics can shape significant political outcomes by focusing on emotional resonance and selective facts, often at the expense of accuracy and informed decision-making.
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