Dylan Reeve, a freelance writer and editor renowned for reporting scam ads to Meta, dives into the murky waters of misleading advertisements exploiting credible media names. He discusses New Zealanders’ growing tendency to dodge the news amid rising distrust and the challenges faced by local councils in turbulent times. The podcast unpacks the urgent need for better media literacy and the role of tech giants in ensuring accountability, while touching on personal stories from those impacted by scam ads.
The rise of social media scam ads imitating reputable news sources highlights a significant threat to public trust in media.
A growing trend of news avoidance in New Zealand reflects public concerns over negativity and perceived media bias, complicating engagement with current events.
Deep dives
Scam Ads Invading Social Media
A significant rise in fake advertisements targeting social media users has been noted, especially those mimicking reputable news sources to lend an air of legitimacy. Scammers are using names and images of well-known personalities to create headlines that deceive and attract vulnerable audiences. For instance, ads falsely claiming shocking news about public figures have proliferated, drawing users into clicking links that lead to dubious content. Despite widespread reporting of these scams to platforms like Facebook, responses have been minimal, leaving many to question the effectiveness of content moderation practices.
News Avoidance Trends Among New Zealanders
Recent studies highlight that New Zealanders have a particularly noteworthy trend of avoiding the news, with nearly three-quarters of individuals engaging in this behavior to some extent. Many cite the negativity and mental health implications of news consumption as key reasons for their avoidance, alongside a perception of bias within media outlets. Such avoidance reflects a broader issue where the public feels disconnected from the news due to sensationalism and clickbait tactics used by various media organizations. This phenomenon raises concerns about the collective understanding of current events and the trustworthiness of news sources.
Government Intervention Discussions in Wellington
Wellington's local government crisis has prompted discussions around potential central government intervention, raising questions about the media's role in shaping public perception. As local leaders express their concerns about leadership deficiencies, certain media figures and platforms have touted the idea of intervention as a necessary measure. However, politicians have been cautious, indicating that while the situation may appear dire, it does not warrant drastic actions at this stage. The media's characterization of events seems to have outpaced the actual developments on the ground, illustrating the complexities of local governance.
The Role of Media in Public Trust Erosion
The rise of sensationalist reporting and the spread of misinformation have significantly impacted public trust in news media, particularly in New Zealand. Many media companies find themselves in a vicious cycle, where platforms designed for news sharing facilitate the spread of scams that further undermine their credibility. Calls for accountability from social media giants like Meta are growing, emphasizing the need for better regulations to protect both consumers and reputable news organizations from exploitation. Ultimately, the media's challenge is to rebuild trust while navigating the competitive digital landscape dominated by misinformation and sensationalism.
Coverage of capital’s troubled city council - and claims the government could intervene. Also: news publishers respond to a survey showing more Kiwis dodging their news - and a surge in social media scam posts co-opting big names in news media.