Misinformation, Disinformation, and ‘Fake News’ in the 21st Century

The following is a high level overview on the spread of Disinformation, Misinformation, ‘Fake News’, or Outright Lies about Religion, Healthcare, Politics, UFOs, Aliens, International Affairs, Economy, Stock Market… in this 21^st century ‘Information Age’. It is more rampant than ever on today’s cable TV channels, the Internet, the blogosphere, social media, and other sources of information.

Sorting through the vast amount of information created and shared online is challenging even for many experts – specially when you’re looking for the ‘truth’. Do you know the difference between ‘fake news’, misinformation, and disinformation? Understanding the various ways that false information is shared, and the motives behind its creation, is extremely important in this ‘Information Age’. So let’s take a quick look at this issue.

 

Definitions for Misinformation, Disinformation, and ‘Fake News’ Misinformation - False information that is spread, regardless of whether there is intent to mislead. Disinformation - Deliberately misleading or biased information; manipulated narrative or facts; propaganda. Fake News - Purposefully crafted, sensational, emotionally charged, misleading or totally fabricated information that mimics the form of mainstream news.

The following are a couple of recent articles on misinformation, disinformation, and ‘fake news’ that you might want to take a few minutes to read for yourself.

• Misinformation vs. Disinformation Explained

• Misinformation, Disinformation and Hoaxes: What’s the difference?

• Misinformation and Technology Trends

In addition, there are several books you might want to check out about the Misinformation Age.

• The Misinformation Age

• A Survival Guide to the Misinformation Age

Here are a couple of final observations and thoughts you might also want to consider.

• Sadly, commercial media organizations today have conflated profit with purpose, and news with entertainment. They no longer report the news, they create it, and have turned fact-based news into opinion-based gossip.
• Its amazing to see how a small group of online sources are able to create a huge amount of chaos online, and destruction -- without any legal consequences.

• Finally, have you noticed the plethora of cable TV shows on ‘history’ or ‘religion’ where UFOs and alien entities are said to be responsible for building the pyramids, visiting our world and passing along sacred scriptures, and so many other highly questionable claims.

 

Potential Solutions

The following are a selection of solutions needed to help counter misinformation, disinformation, and ‘fake news’.

• First, we need to educate and clearly explain to people what misinformation is and why it’s actually very dangerous.
• Second, people should not blindly trust every piece of information they hear or receive over digital news and social media platforms.
• Third, fact-checkers must be employed and empowered by key institutions to verify questionable information and facts being shared by news media and social media influencers.
• Fourth, people should be encouraged to broaden the selection of news and social media sources they use so they do not get trapped in a ‘bubble’, ignoring other credible factual resources.
• Finally, we need both a nation-wide and world-wide effort by the public and private sectors, to build better media literacy, and to empower members of the public to recognize information or news designed specifically to mislead.

Discerning between ‘True’ vs. ‘False’ Prophets

This blog takes a quick look at the topic of ‘true’ versus ‘false’ prophets and their prophesies. It seems pertinent given the recent rise in the number of questionable religious leaders claiming to be prophets.

In Christianity, figures widely recognized as prophets chosen and called by God are mentioned in both the Old Testament and the New Testament. The message that a prophet conveys is called a prophecy.

Although prophets and religious prophecies are most commonly associated with Judaism and Christianity, they are also found throughout many other modern and ancient religions of the world.

According to the Bible, God sent prophets throughout history to guide and warn His people, but as often happens, the people turned their backs on His ‘true’ prophets and didn’t follow the instructions and warnings sent from God. Instead, they turned to listen to one of the many ‘false’ prophets that constantly seem to crop up throughout history.

Old Testament ‘Major’ Prophets Isaiah Jeremiah Ezekiel Daniel

Other Selected Old Testament Prophets Elijah Elisha Nathan Samuel

‘True’ vs. ‘False’ Prophets: It is generally understood that ‘true’ prophets are motivated by loyalty to God above all else, whereas ‘false’ prophets are motivated by self-interest and a desire to be ‘popular’ with powerful rulers and the people. No prophets in the Scriptures were noted for being rich. Further, predictions by ‘true’ prophets will occur as predicted, while ‘false’ prophets are usually exposed when their prophesies don’t happen.

In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus warns his followers about false prophets:

"Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep's clothing but inwardly are ravenous wolves. You will know them by their fruits. Are grapes gathered from thorns, or figs from thistles? So, every sound tree bears good fruit, but the bad tree bears evil fruit.” (See Matthew 7:15–20)

For more detailed information on prophets, check out the following links on Wikipedia: Prophets, Prophets of Christianity, and False prophets

In addition, the following are selected articles about prophets that you might want to read. The emphasis of these articles is on recognizing ‘false’ prophets.

• Prophets | BibleInfo
• Four ways to tell a Prophet from a Political Puppet
• Search of Scripture on False Prophets - BibleGateway
• Search the Scriptures: The fruit of a False Prophet
• What does the Bible warn about False Prophets? - Christianity
• What does the Bible say about False Prophets? - Got Questions
• The Problem with False Prophets - Then and Now

I personally believe in the existence of prophets who have brought prophesies from God to warn and guide us. However, I do pay close attention to the following scripture.

1 John 4:1 - Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits, whether they are of God; because many false prophets have gone out into the world.

What about you? Do you believe in prophets? Do you test them to ensure you are not being misled by ‘false’ prophets.

Selected Videos How to Read the Prophets - YouTube BibleProject The rise of recent 'Self-Proclaimed' Christian prophets

Local Clarendon County HS Varsity Basketball Season - Winter 2021/22

The SC High School Basketball Season is now heading to a close. Check out the latest Winter 2021/22 Basketball news, schedule, scores, and statistics on your favorite local Clarendon County high school teams at MAXPREPS.Com  Thanks to all supporters as the season now moves forward into the playoffs. Good Luck and Be Safe.

Clarendon Hall Saints - Varsity Boys Basketball Team                   (16-3)  Alright!
Clarendon Hall Saints - Varsity Girls Basketball Team                    (3-10)  

Scotts Branch Eagles - Varsity Boys Basketball Team                   (17-3)  Good Job!
Scotts Branch Eagles - Varsity Girls Basketball Team                    (6-11) 

 

Manning High Monarchs - Varsity Boys Basketball Team               (16-8) 
Manning High Monarchs - Varsity Girls Basketball Team                (6-11)  

Laurence Manning Swampcats - Varsity Boys Basketball Team     (11-9) 
Laurence Manning Swampcats - Varsity Girls Basketball Team      (3-11)

East Clarendon Wolverines - Varsity Boys Basketball Team          (6-14) 
East Clarendon Wolverines - Varsity Girls Basketball Team           (20-4)  Looking Real Good!

 

 

Personalized Genetic Testing and Health Reports

This article provides a high level overview for newbies like me to the growing field of genetic testing and the generation of personalized associated ancestry and health reports. I decided to write this article after I ordered a DNA testing kit with personalized ancestry and health assessment reports as a Christmas present for myself from one of the leading companies providing these services.

In recent years, there’s been a dramatic increase in genetic testing. It was nearly unheard of only a few decades ago. Now, you or someone you know has likely had genetic testing within the last year or two -

and you don’t need a doctor’s order to request this. Companies like 23andMe, Ancestry.com, and a number of other testing companies are ready and willing to check your genes for variants associated with certain health conditions, as well as provide information on your family ancestry. In fact, spending on direct-to-consumer genetic testing is predicted to reach $2.5 billion within the next few years.

Genetic testing, also known as DNA testing, is used in a medical setting to diagnose or rule out suspected genetic disorders, predict risks for specific conditions, or gain information that can be used to customize medical treatments based on an individual's genetic makeup. Genetic testing can also be used to determine biological relatives, such as a child's biological parentage through DNA paternity testing, or be used to broadly predict an individual's ancestry. [For more detail go to Genetic Testing on Wikipedia]

Types of Genetic Testing

There are many different kinds of genetic tests. There is no single genetic test that can detect all genetic conditions. The approach to genetic testing is individualized based on your medical and family history, and for what specific condition you’re being tested.

• Single gene tests look for changes in only one gene. Single gene testing is done when your doctor believes you or your child have symptoms of a specific condition or syndrome.

• Panel genetic tests look for changes in many genes in one test. Genetic testing panels are usually grouped in categories based on different kinds of medical concerns.

• Large scale genetic testing or genomic sequencing are ordered by doctors for people with complex medical histories. Large-scale genomic testing is also used in research to learn more about the genetic causes of conditions. [For more detail go to Genetic Testing – CDC

Direct-To-Consumer (DTC) Genetic Testing

The direct-to-consumer (DTC) genetic testing market is booming after getting off to a slow start more than a decade ago. Millions of consumers are now buying test kits and related services to learn more about their ancestry, genealogy or kinship, risks of developing serious diseases, and how lifestyle and nutrition might affect their health. In fact, BIS Research earlier this year estimated that the global direct-to-consumer (DTC) genetic-testing market is expected to reach $6.3 billion by 2028. Read the Consumers Buy into Genetic Testing Kits – American Hospital Association (AHA)

Conventional genetic testing is a clinician-centric process in which genetic samples are taken from patients as needed by your clinician, then sent to a laboratory for genetic testing, and the test results are then presented by the physician to their patients. Direct-to-consumer (DTC) genetic testing is a consumer-centric process that allows individuals to bypass obtaining approval from a physician to send in a sample for genetic testing and consumer oriented health reports.

Selected Articles

The following is a short list of selected articles you might want to read as you delve deeper into the topic of DTC Genetic Testing:

• Making Smart Decisions About Genetic Testing

• Direct-to-Consumer (DTC) Genetic Testing: Consumer Reports

• How to protect your DNA Genetic Testing data
• Top 3 DNA Tests Of 2021 - Provides some excellent guidance and tips before listing the Top 3 DNA Tests from CRI Genetics, Ancestry DNA, 23 and Me.

Selected Links Genetic Testing - CDC Genetic Testing - MedlinePlus Genetic Testing - Mayo Clinic Genetic Testing and Screening - Cigna National Human Genome Research Institute Top 3 DNA Tests of 2021 23andMe – DNA Testing, Ancestry, and Health Reports

I’m looking forward to receiving my genetic testing kit, submitting my sample, and receiving reports on my Ancestry and the preliminary Health Reports before Christmas. I will post follow-up comments about the process and the reports received.