Some readers wondered whether my reading of the crisis in the news media is about journalism or about the news industry. Though the fortunes of the news industry have a bearing on journalism, there is, indeed, a difference between looking at issues that govern journalism and the factors that contribute to the financial stress of the media industry. Over the last few years, I have been discussing the impact of digitalisation on journalism. The pandemic has accelerated the process of digital transformation of the news media. Therefore, these issues need close scrutiny. One of the defining elements of analog journalism was the way two crucial functions of journalism — bearing witness and making sense — complemented each other and helped people make informed choices. When I talk about the strength of analog, I am neither romanticising the past nor am I a Luddite. Most importantly, I do not believe in nostalgia. Many scholars have established ―how rose-coloured glasses always leads to an unfair distortion — looking back on the best of the past while comparing it to the worst of the present.‖ Hence, when I talk about the digital information news environment, I am talking about how there needs to be a conducive atmosphere for credible information to resonate with the people. Literature on misinformation, disinformation and malinformation reveals a new distinction in the minds of the citizens. Editors and journalists have to contend with a new breed of sceptics. These are the people who trust social media forwards more than evidence-based, data-driven journalism. Their confirmation bias flows from encrypted social media platforms that are full of conspiracy theories.
[Excerpt from an Article by A.S. Panneerselvan, The Hindu, dated August 10, 2020]
Correct Answer :
Conspiracy theories have become an alternative truth.
Solution :
The correct option is "Conspiracy theories have become an alternative truth."
Step-by-Step Explanation:
1. Understand the Author's Core Argument:
In the passage, the author highlights the growing challenge faced by evidence-based journalism due to the spread of misinformation on social media. Specifically, the author notes that a "new breed of sceptics" trusts social media forwards over data-driven journalism, and that their confirmation bias is fueled by encrypted platforms "full of conspiracy theories."
2. Analyze how Option 1 Strengthens the Argument:
If conspiracy theories have indeed become an "alternative truth" for many individuals, it directly reinforces and validates the author's claim that people are increasingly accepting unverified social media forwards and conspiracy theories over factual, evidence-based reporting. This solidifies the argument that journalists face a major hurdle in establishing credible information.
3. Evaluate the Other Options:
- "The Pandemic is the only reason behind the dependence of people on Social media journalism." – The passage states that the pandemic accelerated digital transformation, not that it is the only reason. This statement is overly absolute and unsupported.
- "The News industry is witnessing a tremendous change." – While true, this is a broad statement of fact rather than a specific premise that directly strengthens the author's argument regarding misinformation, confirmation bias, and conspiracy theories.
- "None of the above." – Incorrect, as the first option directly supports the author's premise.
Thus, the statement that strengthens the author's argument is that conspiracy theories have become an alternative truth.
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