Who Can You Believe? Of Media, Misinformation, and Trumpery

In a post-truth world we are systematically cajoled and programmed to accept mis- and dis-information. People and organisations responsible for lies, deceit, and propaganda include politicians and political parties, right wing think tanks, corporations, PR firms, advertising agencies, shock jocks, and a bevy of ‘influencers’ on social media. They are motivated by money, status, and power. The influential Murdoch media empire has been implicated in fostering a biased, right-wing, political agenda which has damaged democracy. The chapter provides examples of the mechanisms used by the rich and powerful in seeking to maintain the status quo. These mechanisms include lying, propaganda, spin, fake news, distraction, and secrecy. We are living in world of clickbait, trolls, bots, and astroturfing, where confusion reigns, and where it is increasingly difficult to tell truth from fiction.