Social media makes people trust wrong information more easily


Listen To Story Above

During a recent PBS NewsHour interview, Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg addressed the challenges Democrats faced in recent elections while highlighting concerns about the current information landscape in America.

When asked by co-host Geoff Bennett about Democrats’ electoral struggles and strategies to reconnect with voters who supported Donald Trump, Buttigieg carefully navigated the question, noting his federal position prevented him from directly discussing campaign matters. However, he emphasized the importance of effectively communicating accomplishments.

The Transportation Secretary then delved into a broader discussion about the contemporary information ecosystem. He pointed to a paradox in modern communication, noting that despite unprecedented access to information, public understanding seems to have diminished significantly during his lifetime.

Buttigieg expressed particular concern about the deterioration of traditional editorial functions that historically helped distinguish credible information from misinformation. He highlighted the problematic nature of social media, where unverified online personalities can command the same perceived authority as professional journalists adhering to strict ethical standards.

Looking ahead, Buttigieg identified the challenge of navigating this complex information landscape as a defining issue of our era. He emphasized that this challenge extends beyond political implications to affect society as a whole, while expressing his commitment to addressing these issues through his current role by not only implementing effective policies but also helping citizens understand their practical impact.