This chapter explores the concept of misinformation where it is discussed (primarily) in terms of its aesthetic appeal, as a form of media spectacle. This discourse of misinformation arises not from the distribution of lies online, but rather from the very subversion of reason itself. Here, the problem often takes the form of hoaxes, of humour, and of absurdity, played out in modern post-truth political reality. This analysis is situated within a discussion of the postmodern concept of media spectacle, and the emergence of disinformation as a strategic tactic in post-Soviet Russia. Key literatures (particularly as they arise from the sub-field of critical theory within the humanities) that discursively frame misinformation (and contingent terms) in this way, are explored, using the toolkit introduced in the introductory chapter. The conceptual bounds of this discourse are explored. This chapter concludes with a discussion on the merits and limitations in thinking about misinformation as (primarily) an aesthetic form, and considers what this approach contributes to our knowledge of the phenomenon.

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Aesthetic (or Spectacular) Discourses of Misinformation

  • Murray Dick

摘要

This chapter explores the concept of misinformation where it is discussed (primarily) in terms of its aesthetic appeal, as a form of media spectacle. This discourse of misinformation arises not from the distribution of lies online, but rather from the very subversion of reason itself. Here, the problem often takes the form of hoaxes, of humour, and of absurdity, played out in modern post-truth political reality. This analysis is situated within a discussion of the postmodern concept of media spectacle, and the emergence of disinformation as a strategic tactic in post-Soviet Russia. Key literatures (particularly as they arise from the sub-field of critical theory within the humanities) that discursively frame misinformation (and contingent terms) in this way, are explored, using the toolkit introduced in the introductory chapter. The conceptual bounds of this discourse are explored. This chapter concludes with a discussion on the merits and limitations in thinking about misinformation as (primarily) an aesthetic form, and considers what this approach contributes to our knowledge of the phenomenon.