Between the Ethos of Truth and the Practices of Social Selection of Facts in a Polarized Society: A Case Study of the Reaction to a Journalistic Provocation by Kanał Zero
Abstract
Modern societies are struggling with growing problems caused by disinformation, the dynamics of which are driven by the rapid development of communication technologies and social media. These enable today’s people to receive, process, and create information, and thus participate in the spread of false information. The practice of engaging in the dissemination of disinformation, whether intentional (disinformation) or unintentional (misinformation), often stands in stark contrast to the declarations of many individuals who emphasize the importance of truth and fact-based knowledge. The discrepancy between the declared commitment to truth and disinformation practices prompts reflection on the mechanisms that allow individuals to maintain such inconsistent attitudes. This article attempts to analyze this problem on the basis of online comments triggered by a journalistic provocation carried out in August 2024 by Kanał Zero, targeting Zbigniew Stonoga. The analysis shows that in a polarized public sphere, facts lose their significance as the foundation of truth about reality, and the interpretation of reality is conditioned by emotions, social identity, and group loyalty.
Keywords:
disinformation, polarization, information bubble, social identity, social mediaReferences
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