Conspiracy theory videos aren’t new on platforms such as YouTube and Facebook, but typically most … [+]
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It is just 26 minutes long, but presented as a “factual” documentary about the coronavirus pandemic. What is worrisome to medical professionals about the online video Plandemic is how it is filled with medical misinformation about where the virus originated and how it is transmitted, but equally worrisome is how it is spreading across social media as fast as the actual coronavirus.
Conspiracy theory videos aren’t new on platforms such as YouTube and Facebook, but typically most argue an event after the fact or offer a counter argument to established beliefs – such as whether 9/11 was an inside job or that the Earth is in fact flat. There is usually little to gain but also little to lose by watching the videos, but in this case medical experts warn that this video touts not just misleading information, but worse, makes claims that could be considered dangerous.
As the BBC reported, “Among its claims are that the virus must have been released from a laboratory environment and could not possibly be naturally-occurring; that using masks and gloves actually makes people more sick; and that closing beaches is ‘insanity’ because of ‘healing microbes’ in the water. Such claims are not supported by reliable medical and scientific advice.”
Medical experts argue that the video also suggested that data about COVID-19 has been falsified as way to control the population.
“Plandemic is the modern ordinance in today’s war for influence and manipulation,” warned technology industry analyst Josh Crandall of Netpop Research.
“Videos like this, and conspiracy theories in general, are like the Coronavirus themselves,” added Crandall. “They infect the mainstream, especially those with pre-existing conditions – i.e. those on the fringe and media organizations – and evolve as each new video mutates toward the most ‘viral’ memes of previous iterations.”
The Line Between Theories And Facts
As more and more individuals continue to get their news from social media there is the danger that less of it is based on real reporting, and instead everyone with a theory can present their opinion or ideas as a fact.
“There’s no shortage of websites that promote conspiracies but most tend to be on the fringe of conventional beliefs and have little access to traditional media,” explained Charles King, technology analyst at Pund-IT.
That in itself has created a situation where the conspiracy becomes part of the news cycle simply in how it is now being covered.
“The old ‘if bleeds, it leads,’ has been replaced by ‘if it lies, it flies,'” said King.
Moreover, social media can also allow those who disagree with what they see in the traditional – vetted – news with others who share beliefs that aren’t on the evening newscast.
“Facebook, Twitter and other social platforms offer conspiracy mongers access to broader general audiences and the potential to recruit new ‘true believers,'” added King. “Since social sites have become de facto news sources for many people, the dividing line between demonstrable truth and fictitious falsehoods is often thinner than it should be.”
This explains why the social media platforms have been vigilant when it comes to taking down any commentary that could be seen as dangerous. But is it the right course of action?
“In this case, yes – the video is promoting ideas and behaviors that could lead credulous viewers to harm themselves,” noted King. “Leaving the video in place would be immoral and unethical.”
However, this could be seen as a form of censorship, one that could only add fuel to the more extreme theories. It also could be seen to silence an audience.
“In the mainstream media CNN tells one side of the story, typically from a Democratic or liberal side of the story, while Fox News goes to the other extreme and pushes a more Republican or conservative view,” suggested technology evangelist and social media entrepreneur Lon Safko.
“What we see on social media is a lot of stuff no one is reporting,” he added. “But we also see that Google and YouTube, along with Facebook are taking down any commentary on coronavirus that doesn’t fit with the accepted beliefs on the matter. There are those in the extreme that are terrified by what the government does behind their backs and their voices are being silenced by these platforms. Social media shuts them down. That sends out a very different kind of message.”
In many ways that further throws fuel that could then bring out the most extreme views.
“Truth and belief are often confused, especially by those who can’t tell the difference between them or won’t make an honest effort to do so,” countered Pund-IT’s King. “If it’s inevitable that someone will be offended, let it be those who are spreading malicious disinformation.”
Information Isn’t Quarantined
One other serious problem with the spread of information is that anyone can now come up with a theory; post it online, build a following, which in turn can convince the masses it must be true. Despots, hucksters, frauds, conmen and pseudapostles have one thing in common – their charismatic ability to convince an audience that what they are saying could be the truth.
Couple that with social media in the time of COVID-19 when people have more time to stare blankly at a screen and it is easy to see why theories are believed. With respect to the creators of South Park, who created the mythical “ManBearPig” as an allegory for global warming, today instead we have “ManSheepParrot” – as in those who listen to the message without questioning like a sheep and parrot it back to anyone who will listen!
“People are worried and isolated; they are spending a lot of time on social media looking for a connection, almost any connection will do,” explained Netpop Research’s Crandall. “When a well produced piece of propaganda like Plandemic finds its way into their newsfeed or recommended videos next to another from a reputable media company, people, already bored, tired and scared, won’t question the authenticity of the content as quickly. Even worse, they may respond favorably to the manipulation, because they just need a target for their anger, fear and grief.”
The question then is whether this is censorship of valid information or a necessary move to stop the spread of harmful information.
“Facebook’s announcement to create an independent counsel to evaluate content distributed on the panel is a first step to creating change,” added Crandall. “Yet, it’s wise to question how effective this solution will be.”
