With the events of "Pizzagate", many are left questioning the influence that "fake news" has on people. Should social media networks do more to crack down on the spread of fake stories? Or would that just create an unaccountable central authority that censors information, capable of manipulating people and destroying the benefits of a free and independent press? Perhaps this isn't really such a big deal, especially considering how deceitful press was in the earlier years of the United States.
We picked this story this week because it is particularly central to what AllSides does. Fake news is arguably a subset of an even bigger problem, the strongly biased filter bubbles that essentially deceive us with information that only supports one perspective. AllSides' approach helps free all of us from being mislead or manipulated by fake news or filtered bubbles, so we can truly decide for ourselves on the best path forward.
Snippets from the Right
Fox News
"He also rejected the term 'fake news' believing that it diminishes stories shared outside the mainstream media.
Welch told the newspaper he started driving to Washington from his Salisbury, N.C., home intending only to give the restaurant a 'closer look.' But while on the way, he said he felt his 'heart breaking over the thought of innocent people suffering.'
Welch would not say why he brought an AR-15 into the pizza shop and fired it, the newspaper reported."
Snippets from the Left
The Verge
"The main pillar of the Pizzagate theory is that high-level politicians like Bill and Hillary Clinton, as well as Clinton’s campaign chair John Podesta are involved in a secretive child abuse and trafficking ring. After Podesta mentioned Comet Ping Pong is [sic] his emails released by WikiLeaks, theorists decided the restaurant was being used as a front for the trafficking operation. Some of the purported 'evidence' of the conspiracy includes a mural on the wall of Comet Ping Pong and the idea that words like 'cheese' and 'sauce' used in Podesta’s emails are code words for politicians trying to conceal abuse.