Press-Sentinel, Jesup: Letter to Ed
neillh...@earthlink.net
To improve society citizens must carefully scrutinize information
It has never been more important for Americans to fully engage in their roles as citizens and voters. To make responsible decisions in exercising Constitutional rights, it’s essential that we are well informed. Following are my suggestions as director of the Center for a Sustainable Coast to assist fellow Georgians in understanding our collective self-interest for taking actions that serve the common good.
Beware of disinformation
Social media and artificial intelligence have accelerated disruptions caused by deceptive narratives that prevent us from accurately evaluating promoted claims. As a precaution to prevent the spread of disinformation, the origin of messages and the credibility of their source must be scrutinized.
Consider hidden motives
Positions advocated, whether online or by direct communication, may be intended to deceive for political reasons and/or profit. False claims are often used by bad actors, creating a fog of unverified assertions, to convince uninformed people to support positions that conflict with their own self-interest. Improving citizen responsibility requires diligent efforts to determine the availability and legitimacy of evidence confirming that positions actually serve the public interest.
Evaluate both short-term and long-term impacts
Even if asserted claims seem to indicate initial benefits, all are advised to investigate the cumulative, longer-term consequences. Proposals commonly promise to generate jobs, save costs, or provide other benefits while leaving taxpayers to compensate for subsidies and tax-breaks that ultimately transfer wealth upward, from lower-income groups to the rich and powerful.
Citizens should assume accountability for determining the validity of information before acting upon it.
David Kyler
Center for a Sustainable Coast