Lee C. McIntyre: Post Truth | Future Hindsight S10 E1

Summary

In this podcast episode, host Mila Atmos interviews author Lee McIntyre about the post-truth era we currently live in. They discuss how the political manipulation of facts, the spread of misinformation, and the decline of traditional media have all contributed to today's climate where objective truth struggles to survive. McIntyre argues that repeating lies to exhaust the public's ability to discern truth is a tactic of authoritarian regimes. He offers hope that the COVID-19 pandemic may be a 'moment of reckoning' where truth and facts come to matter again as people realize their health and lives depend on it.

Takeaways

• 😀 The podcast explores our current post-truth era and how we arrived here
• 😟 Post-truth refers to the political subordination of reality and truth
• 😠 Decades of science denial created a blueprint for manipulating truth
• 😤 The rise of partisan media and social media spread misinformation
• 😒 "Fake news" refers to intentionally false stories created for political aims
• 😌 We must support investigative journalism and truth-telling institutions
• 😁 Personal conversations can help rebuild relationships and understanding
• 😎 Repeating the truth is important to cut through disinformation
• 😣 The coronavirus crisis could be a reckoning moment for embracing facts
• 🙂 Individual citizens speaking truth gives hope for restoring trust

Q & A

How does Lee McIntyre define post-truth?

Lee McIntyre defines post-truth as 'the political subordination of reality.' He sees it as a tactic used by authoritarians to corrupt people's belief in truth itself, not just specific truths.

What are some of the roots that made us susceptible to post-truth politics?

Some roots are science denial over the past 60-70 years which created a blueprint, cognitive biases in all humans, and the decline of traditional media paired with the rise of social media and the internet.

How did the tobacco industry help set the stage for post-truth tactics?

When studies linked smoking to cancer, tobacco companies manufactured doubt by exploiting the public's flawed understanding of science and proof. This showed you could manipulate public opinion by raising unfounded doubts.

What is false equivalence in media reporting?

False equivalence is when media gives equal time and weight to two sides of a debate even when one side is factually correct and the other is not. This makes it seem like there is more doubt or debate than there actually is.

What are some differences between fake news and post-truth?

Fake news refers to demonstrably and intentionally false stories, while post-truth refers to political efforts to subordinate truth and facts to achieve power and control. Fake news tactics can be used as part of a post-truth strategy.

Why does the existence of fake news articles matter even if most people don't believe them?

The existence of fake news pollutes the information stream so much that people become cynical and unsure of what is true or not at all. This erosion of commonly accepted facts aids those seeking to control populations.

How is post-truth connected to moves towards fascism?

If political actors subordinate truth and facts to establish control over populations, this control makes it easier to manipulate the public towards fascism in service of authoritarian ends.

How can individuals help support truth and push back against post-truth tactics?

We can talk to those we disagree with, build trusting relationships, avoid polarizing echo chambers, financially support investigative journalism and truth-telling institutions, and repeatedly reinforce factual truths.

How might the COVID-19 pandemic impact post-truth politics?

The global nature of the threat means political spin may finally be checked by hard truths. If leaders continue failing public health, people may regain respect for facts, science, and truth.

What gives Lee McIntyre hope in fighting post-truth politics?

He is hopeful more people communicating truth, gathering facts, and reinforcing reality to friends/family can stem the tide of magical thinking and lies.