The Good & Bad of Media Disinformation Writing for Nieman Lab, Joshua Benton has a terrific breakdown of how well media works or doesn't work. As the headline of Benton's piece says, the good news is that misinformation is less powerful than we think it is. The bad news is that correct information is not all that powerful. We tend to view all media in terms of the hypodermic needle theory, meaning that you read, watch, or hear a story, and your brain is flooded with information to the point that it irrevocably changes your actions. Just like how people listened to that tape of Donald Trump demeaning women while Billy Bush guffawed in the background, and Trump had to end his campaign. Except, that's different from how it happened because the hypodermic needle theory is not true. Sure, I heard the This American Life story on Doppelgangers and vowed never to eat calamari again. But I was not a fan of calamari in the first place, so the TAL story did not have as significant an impact on me as it would seem. Benton points this out, as well. Noting that misinformation played a part in the 2016 election, but not to the extent that we believe because if your Facebook or Twitter algorithm feeds you stories about Democrats drinking blood, you already have a media history of encouraging that story. And, as Benton aptly notes, "if facts don't care about your feelings, it's also clear your feelings often don't care about facts." And this is a known phenomenon. When faced with facts that show their beliefs are wrong, people double down on the false belief. One argument or coherent explanation of the Truth rarely changes a person's mind. And if it appears that that is what happened, I would wager the person who changed had already been questioning what they thought they knew. Benton's point is that we need to stop giving the media so much power over the narratives of why things are the way they are. But it also points to a more significant problem: if we cannot just give a QAnon member the Truth, how do we lead them away from harmful beliefs? How do we stop "Stop the Steal" from happening again if proof that the election was not stolen is not enough? First and foremost, it's important to remember that while facts may not be the cure-all we wish they were, they are still important. Misinformation can still encourage a person to go down an unhelpful or harmful path. Being equipped with Truth is still necessary. But, as with many things, changing minds requires knowing and being known. It requires that we enter into a relationship with people to show that we care about their facts and their feelings. When Jesus met the Samaritan Woman at the well, he knew all the facts of her life; the Gospel of John makes this plain. But what is also plain is that Jesus cared about this woman's feelings, too. Jesus did not relay the facts of her life in a way that turned her away but drew her in and gained a follower. If we hope to change minds, we must first be willing to be in a relationship with those we wish to change, to care about their lives and the things they care about. Only then will facts hold any weight. Not because they are true but because they come from someone who cares. 4 More Things 1) According to The Washington Post, 2023 will not be the year antisemitism takes a step back. In fact, WaPo reports on a new survey that shows "antisemitism in its classical fascist form is emerging again in American society, where Jews are too secretive and powerful, working against interests of others, not sharing values, exploiting — the classic conspiratorial tropes" according to ADL vice president Matt Williams. 2) If divisions in the US are not bad enough already, Daniel Cox writes for American Storylines about the growing religious divide in the US. What is particularly interesting and concerning is who is leaving and staying. Cox reports that those with weak religious attachments go and those with solid attachments remain. And while this may sound fine, consider what this means for the state of religion in America. "As more moderately inclined religion-goers leave their faith, religious life becomes increasingly defined by the most ardent and committed believers. This then further alienates those on the fringe." 3) In yet another example that rhetoric has consequences, Solomon Peña, a failed Republican candidate who claimed his election was rigged, was arrested "in connection with a series of drive-by shootings targeting the homes of Democratic lawmakers in New Mexico." Thankfully no one was injured, but the AP reports that three bullets did go into the bedroom of one state senator's 10-year-old girl. 4) If you, like us, are worried about polarization and want to be part of the solution, the Matthew 5:9 Fellowship is hosting a virtual workshop for Christians concerned about polarization in the church next Wednesday, January 25. Check out their site for more information. Enjoy a classic Lincoln quote (that often leaves off the last two words)... on a classic 16 oz. pint glass. All proceeds benefit AVC's vital work. 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