The Internet’s Impact on Government Trust
How people view their government online is changing. With more access to information and ways to interact, public opinion about leadership can shift quickly. This raises questions about how much we can trust what we read and who influences opinions the most. Getting the full story is key.
Lots of Opinions Out There
Social media exposes us to more perspectives on government than ever before. It’s easy to find posts praising or criticizing any policy or politician. Comments might not always come from well-informed sources either. Strong views get more attention, even if based on incomplete ideas of how things work. This can skew how issues appear online.
Figuring out what ideas have merit takes checking facts and diverse views. Knee-jerk reactions usually don’t capture complex realities. Understanding context around statistics and policies leads to fairer judgments. Rushing to join “crowds” for or against things, without deeper thought, leads to misguided and extreme positions.
The Role of Bot Accounts
Online discussions about government can also be manipulated by automated “bot” accounts. These might pose as real citizens posting content or commenting. In reality, they are programmed to further particular aims. Bots can quickly spread biased or false messages to many users. When functioning in networks, they artificially inflate support for certain politicians or parties.
Studies suggest bot activity doubled on Twitter during recent elections. Much focused on polarizing topics like immigration policy or gun control. These bots also promoted conspiracy theories and false information about candidates’ positions. Such digital deception is concerning for democracy. It undermines honest debate of issues and assessments of leadership.
Foreign Interference Emerges Too
There is evidence that some online efforts to impact public opinion about government originate abroad. Foreign entities have been tied to accounts and sites publishing divisive political content. The aim is turning citizens against each other for strategic interests outside the country. This includes portraying leaders as unfit through fabricated leaks or conspiracy claims.
One study examined Twitter traffic about politics over six years. It uncovered 50,000 accounts likely backed by Russia for propaganda. These sought to drive Americans to extremes on controversial topics like race, immigration, and police issues. This strategy damages moderate debate while getting the public to distrust governing authorities.
Rebuilding Confidence in Information
With so many potential influences at play, it’s vital we rebuild confidence in online information about those that represent us. Changes in policy and technology granting more government oversight of media ethics could help. Journalism focused on informative coverage over inflammatory clicks does too. Readers valuing insight over just drama or scandal is even more important.
Fact-checking websites that assess media bias and accuracy are useful tools as well. They monitor reporting across outlets to promote fairness and transparency around claims made. Over time, these reference points can aid public knowledge of best sources for even-handed news.
We also must teach young web users better digital literacy skills. Getting savvy about assessing online credibility and misinformation tactics will lead to more informed citizens. Questioning the agendas of unknown posters and checking rigor of data helps too. A more discerning public makes influence campaigns less potent.
Staying Thoughtful, Not Quick to Judge
There’s no doubt the internet will keep shaping government approval and trust. But instead of quick reactions, we need thoughtfulness about the forces trying to guide them. Checking intentions behind information flows allows better understanding. Some want to honestly inform, others to unfairly turn opinion.
Pausing on polarization pushes helps as well. Complicated issues usually have reasonable points on either side. Judging leaders should consider responsibilities they juggle and constraints they face. Getting a balanced picture leads to reasonable views. The whole story provides needed context for wise perspective.
With care in developing balanced opinions, we can have faith in our system while still working to improve it. That serves everyone’s interest over the long haul.