Ep 48: Why ‘Disinformation’ is Difficult to Define with Jacob Sullum of Reason Magazine
Feb 28, 2023
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Jacob Sullum, senior editor at Reason magazine, discusses the challenges of defining 'disinformation', critiques the Global Disinformation Index's ranking of Reason as a risky news source, explores the difficulty in defining disinformation, analyzes mistake correction policies and bias in journalism, discusses the perception and consequences of disinformation, explores hate speech policies on social media, and emphasizes the need for transparency and intellectual honesty in journalism.
The subjectivity of 'disinformation' poses challenges in defining and combating it.
Increased efforts to combat disinformation risk suppressing free speech and inhibiting constructive dialogue.
Defining and addressing disinformation requires a balance between factual accuracy and the preservation of free speech and diverse viewpoints.
Deep dives
Reason Magazine's Commitment to Accuracy and Intellectual Honesty
Reason Magazine strives to present accurate and intellectually honest information to its readers. The publication takes pride in fact-checking and correcting any mistakes that may occur. With a commitment to fairness and presenting arguments in a well-rounded manner, Reason Magazine aims to persuade readers through evidence-based reasoning. The magazine emphasizes the importance of intellectual integrity and addressing opposing viewpoints, while also being transparent about its ideological perspective. Reason's content is available online without a paywall, allowing readers to access a wide range of articles and opinions on various subjects.
The Chilling Effect of Misinformation and Disinformation Declarations
The rise of organizations like the Global Disinformation Index (GDI) and increased calls by government agencies to combat misinformation and disinformation have had a chilling effect on nuanced conversations and debate. The fear of being labeled as disseminating false or misleading information discourages individuals from engaging in open and intellectual discussions on controversial topics. The definitions of misinformation and disinformation can be subjective, leading to the potential suppression of different perspectives. This restricts free speech and inhibits the ability to have constructive dialogue and critical thinking.
The Impact of Allegations and Concerns Surrounding Disinformation
Several factors have contributed to the increased focus on disinformation, such as concerns about foreign interference in elections and the spread of misinformation during the pandemic. While there are valid concerns about deliberate efforts to mislead or manipulate public opinion, there is also a risk of overreaction and limiting free expression. The politicization of certain issues, like mask-wearing and vaccines, further complicates the discussion and fuels the accusations of disinformation. These debates require nuanced analysis and open dialogue, rather than suppressing differing viewpoints.
The Challenges of Defining and Addressing Disinformation
Defining and addressing disinformation is a complex task. Determining what constitutes disinformation can be difficult, as it involves subjective judgments and varies depending on individual perspectives, values, and political affiliations. While clear cases of deliberate dishonesty can be identified as disinformation, many issues fall into a gray area where different interpretations and evidence exist. Balancing the need for factual accuracy with the preservation of free speech and diverse viewpoints is a challenging task and requires robust dialogue and critical thinking.
The Importance of Intellectual Honesty and Fairness in Journalism
Reason Magazine exemplifies the values of intellectual honesty and fairness in journalism. The publication strives to present information accurately while being transparent about its ideological perspective. Reason's commitment to rigorous fact-checking, correcting errors, and addressing opposing arguments sets it apart. It encourages readers to engage with diverse opinions and approaches, fostering informed debate and critical thinking. By valuing objectivity and presenting arguments grounded in evidence, Reason Magazine offers a valuable platform for readers seeking intellectual integrity.
In this episode, I talk to Jacob Sullum, senior editor at Reason magazine, about a recent piece he wrote entitled The Perils of Trying to Curtail Hazily Defined ‘Disinformation’. In this article, he discusses a recent rating given to Reason by an organization called the Global Disinformation Index (GDI) that named Reason as one of the ’10 riskiest online news sources’ in the United States. In this interview, we discuss the subjectivity that is inherent in popular conceptions of ‘disinformation’, how the criteria used by the GDI are deeply contradictory, how the GDI received funding from the State Department, and why free speech and the 1st Amendment are so important. Jacob provides a wide-sweeping and insightful analysis of the massive contemporary (mis)use of the term ‘disinformation’ and the ways in which organizations often wrongly apply it in popular discourse.
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