In the intricate alleys of Istanbul, in a time not too distant, a well-known story once resonated. Kafka spun a tale, ‘The Metamorphosis’, wherein Gregor Samsa transformed overnight into an enormous insect, creating an alarming shift in his family’s perception of reality. This story from the annals of Europe, becomes a metaphor for the transformation of truth in our digital age, especially evident in Türkiye.
Historical Foundations
Fake news, often perceived as a contemporary issue, finds roots deep in history. These deceptive narratives not only distort truths but challenge political, social, and economic paradigms. In Turkey, the backdrop of a tumultuous political scene and a digitally-engaged population further amplifies these implications. The term is ubiquitously tossed around in contemporary discourse signifying a phenomenon where falsehoods masquerade as reality. The implications of such distorted truths penetrate deep, influencing political, economic, and social landscapes. In seeking to understand this in the Turkish context, we must address the cyclical relationship between fake news and its socioeconomic undertones.
Socio-Economic Catalysts
The socio-economic fabric of Turkey fosters misinformation. Bilgi University’s study suggests that economic disparities are significant contributors to the spread of misinformation. Those with restricted information access become easy targets for narratives that resonate with their societal grievances or beliefs. Those at the socio-economic fringes, armed with only partial information, are more susceptible to fabrications that align with their frustrations. And when these falsehoods are propelled into the mainstream, they further entrench societal divisions.
Turkey’s media, with its gamut from newspapers to satirical outlets reminiscent of “LeMan” has been a pillar of political critique. The magazine, subtly, yet brilliantly, unmasks political undertones through humor. Such platforms, although not directly related to the proliferation of fake news, reflect Turkey’s long-standing tradition of decoding and deriding the power plays of the day. While humor and satire shed light on political undertones, the rise of digital platforms has added complexity. A Hacettepe University study reveals that a staggering 68% of Turkish youth get their news from social media. making them susceptible to the whirlwind of misinformation.
Central to the proliferation of fake news is its ability to tap into existing biases. Falsehoods gain traction faster than the truth, especially in Turkey’s diverse socio-political environment. News pieces, especially those peppered with humor or satire, that confirm existing beliefs, find rapid acceptance.
However, the modern proliferation of fake news takes this to a different dimension. With social media platforms being the primary news source for many falsehoods gain traction at alarming rates. In Turkey, this has culminated in significant events, like the Gezi Park protests, where misrepresentations influenced public sentiment and policy decisions.
But why does fake news resonate so deeply? One reason is its ability to tap into existing biases. As Mark Twain aptly put it, “A lie can travel half the world while the truth is putting on its shoes.” In Turkey’s diverse socio-political atmosphere, a piece of news confirming an individual’s pre-existing beliefs is easily embraced and internalized within a glimpse.
The Path Forwards
As with Gregor Samsa’s transformation, the real metamorphosis isn’t in the individual but in society’s perception of reality. Fake news, like Kafka’s tale, reminds us of the fragility of truth and the ease with which our collective realities can be distorted.
As we navigate these turbulent waters, a clarion call emerges for media literacy, robust journalism, and critical thinking – ensuring that while the tales of yore inform us, they don’t dictate our perception of reality.
In closing, let’s recall Gregor, not as the transformed vermin, but as the symbol of altered perceptions and the imperative to discern truth in a post-truth world.
REFERENCES
Yesil, B. (2016). Media in New Turkey: The Origins of an Authoritarian Neoliberal State. University of Illinois Press
Freedom House. (2020). Freedom on the Net 2020: Turkey. Retrieved from https://freedomhouse.org/country/turkey/freedom-net/2020
FURTHER READING
Tufekci, Z. (2018). Twitter and Tear Gas: The Power and Fragility of Networked Protest. Yale University Press.
https://setav.org/en/assets/uploads/2017/03/PressFreedom.pdf
Varol, O. et al. (2017). Online Human-Bot Interactions: Detection, Estimation, and Characterization. Proceedings of the Eleventh International AAAI Conference on Web and Social Media (ICWSM 2017).
Lowen, M. (2018, November 15). Fake news in Turkey: Hunting for truth in land of conspiracy. https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-46137139.amp
