Last but not least: The Internet lies - now and then
The extent to which individual media outlets can influence public opinion is a matter of debate. Critics claim that political decisions and shifts in public sentiment within a country are largely attributable to the media industry. But can we trust them? The internet, in particular, is sometimes suspected of lying.
The ability of individual media outlets to influence opinions is debatable. Critics claim that political decisions and mood swings in a country can largely be attributed to the media industry. Consumers assume that the information in newspapers, radio and television is well-researched and true, and believe it. Their opponents, on the other hand, tend to assume that readers think for themselves and are critical, and do not get their opinions from the newspapers without questioning them.
At the beginning of last week, it emerged that a certain amount of media influence was not entirely out of the blue. The share price of the American airline United Airlines suddenly plummeted. So much so that the shares even had to be temporarily suspended from trading. The reason: a report from the Chicago Tribune that appeared on the internet, in which the airline was accused of insolvency. The problem: the report dates back to 2002, but today the company is on a relatively sound footing. A system error in Google's news archive caused the report to suddenly reappear. That's how quickly you can influence a share price today. The whole Swissair story was probably just an Internet hoax. Quickly turn off the computer.
At the beginning of last week, it emerged that a certain amount of media influence was not entirely out of the blue. The share price of the American airline United Airlines suddenly plummeted. So much so that the shares even had to be temporarily suspended from trading. The reason: a report from the Chicago Tribune that appeared on the internet, in which the airline was accused of insolvency. The problem: the report dates back to 2002, but today the company is on a relatively sound footing. A system error in Google's news archive caused the report to suddenly reappear. That's how quickly you can influence a share price today. The whole Swissair story was probably just an Internet hoax. Quickly turn off the computer.
