Every now and again there’s a rumour about Greggs opening on Rye High Street or McDonalds taking over a closed shop. How we laugh as the debate rages online, but there is a darker side to misinformation and it can have a real effect on life in our town.
A fortnight ago a fake press release about a new immigration detention centre on Rye Harbour Road was published on social media. It was – journalistic phrase coming up – cobblers. Instead of calm research, the town went straight to DEFCON 1 and let rip with instant opinions expressing fury at the idea.
Whatsapp exploded too. There was a lot of caps lock anger. IS THIS TRUE?
Well no it wasn’t. A quick 30 seconds on Google sorted that. Also, the fake press release had typos and quoted a made-up civil servant. The stunted up bogus BBC story had spelling mistakes. Surely enough to make people think twice before opening up the laptop and having a rant. Apparently not. Plus those who got in touch with Rye News were genuinely worried.
Harmless fun? You decide, although it wasn’t hugely impressive to see people dragging the volunteers at RNLI Rye Harbour into the online debate. Interestingly, the fake news was published on the same day of the Starmer / Macron agreement on the boats. Why?
The source of the story on Facebook has since deleted the post. Screengrabs are available if you missed it.
More worrying though is how some people in our town use social media or online messaging services like Telegram or Whatsapp to spread misinformation. It’s not just Russian bots who are up to no good, it’s people we see every day – literally our neighbours – and it’s time to call it out.
The common theme and tone (again screengrabs are available) is that anyone trying to make a difference in our town is incompetent, on the make or corrupt. Usually all three. Whether elected or not it seems no good deed goes unpunished in Rye.
Of course if you have proof – real proof – of criminal wrong doing or corruption you’ll have reported it to the police. Do forward on the crime number.
If not, and your level of proof is along the lines of a bloke told me in the pub, then perhaps have a bit of a think before passing on your dodgy insight and libellous comments.
Have a look at Section 1 of the 2013 Defamation Act. It is very clear about libel, especially on “disparaging a person in their business, trade, office or profession.”
Plus it is possible to disagree without resorting to bullying and abuse.
There are huge problems in Rye that need sorting. Sorting by people standing up and doing something. But why would you if all you’re going to get is constant moaning and a monstering online? There are some really good candidates putting themselves forward for the vacancy on Rye Town Council, here’s hoping they all have thick skins.
So yes, of course, have an opinion. Feel free to share it. But for the love of all things holy, do a bit of research first before firing up the laptop and (angrily) knocking out your opinion.
Perhaps also think about the reaction your hot take will have on the people you’re writing about.
And next time when someone vents their anger and starts spreading malicious information, don’t just roll your eyes, call them out too.
Image Credits: Nick Youngson CC BY-SA 3.0 Pix4free https://pix4free.org/photo/17928/fake-news.html CC https://pix4free.org/photo/17928/fake-news.html.
Very well said James, good to see this being called out. Opinion is great but facts are important too
What a great article James, well said! As soon as I saw that story it was pretty clear it was fake but somehow people are taken in when their insecurities are exploited. I hope next time (and there is always a next time) whether someone is prompted to outrage by a similar made up load of cobblers (very descriptive) or about to make an accusation based on zero evidence they remember your words and pause. Debate is really important, disagreement and discussion are what pubs are made for but let’s do it with respect for one another and with genuine curiosity.
Thank you James. I’m so glad I missed all that. My social media friends don’t spread misinformation but if they did I would call them out.
Brave of you Stuart, this applies not just to Rye but to the whole of society now. We live in polarised times and it’s not going to get any better. We’ll ssid.
Well said James, it is sad that “free speech” which this Country has had for years is being abused by a group of people who we do not know.
We are so lucky in this Country to have that valuable ability.
My father used to say ‘never let the facts get in the way of a good story’ sadly a worrying trend in today’s world.
I have no qualms about criticising those who can’t organise the cleaning of toilets with the millions paid by Rye’s council tax payers.
Free speech you say Rye News refuses to print my article on why Reform had to move their meeting place because it was deemed to be Political.
Your comment was not published because a) it had nothing to do with the article you were commenting on and b) you called people morons twice.
It’s interesting that this bit of fake news is not dissimilar to what Nigel Farage has been saying about housing for asylum seekers. There is usually something that seeks to divide coming from the Reform Party. I recall not that long ago when Farage was attacking RNLI volunteers for rescuing people on boats crossing the channel. He also came out on the day of this fake news report highly critical of the accords Starmer and Macron had agreed upon. Perhaps coincidence or not?
Great article, thanks James. There are a few real efluencers in local comment threads. Their feigned outrage over everything is predictable but potentially ruinous to our wellbeing.
Thank you James! I would say to those who want to criticize, attend the Town Council meetings and the various events organized to inform and solicit opinions from townspeople before you do. Seeing the real work being done is eye-opening.
Excellent, well balanced view James.
I seem to recall a similar spate of online warmongering during Covid/Lockdowns. I believe it’s borne out of fear and panic, during frustrating times of an uncertain future. Many people are unfortunately seeking somewhere for their anger to go, and where better than social media? No face to face fisticuffs, just angry words typed and sent. The fact that so many are so ready to believe the lies says it all. Yes, we are experiencing scary times but looking for situations that aren’t likely to happen isn’t going to make things better.
Jane makes a very astute judgement here – fear drives anger, anger drives intemperate reaction, but that reaction is safely behind the keyboard. We are, sadly, losing the ability to listen, learn, understand and only then comment.
Well done James, too much ‘ click bait’ from fake news on social media.
While I agree with James on the subject of malicious fake news, I do have take issue with Rye News being politically biased to the left, and their attitude towards anyone questioning the narrative they push. Questioning if an elected official is fit for purpose is not malicious. The same can be said for pointing out it is council tax payers who fund the allowances these individuals are paid and the expenses they claim. If an official has betrayed the residents of Rye, it needs to be said as it is, not censor and bury facts.
Rod, precisely why I will not submit any articles for publishing. So many comments of mine and from others that are not abusive or offensive but do not push the party line are never posted.
I doubt this will either, so I’ll reword put it as a note on another local online publication.
I’ll go with that. See it all the time these days and really annoying, if not downright dangerous. You could start a war on the kind of misinformation you see. And probably will.
I’m glad I missed that about the immigration center.!!! Although I have sadly read very upsetting comments about the lovely lifeboat volunteers. Why is there so much hate in this world. It genuinely moves me to tears.
Really valuable article, James. Misinformation and disinformation is an international problem, and one with a vast budget… Thankfully, I think people are becoming more attuned to recognising it, but it sours debate and turns people off politics – engaging or standing. At its worst, it divides communities. Which is of course what is intended… I’d say it’s also an inevitable consequence of disillusionment and of our very adversarial political system. Changing the latter might be one way of producing more light and less heat.