Social media bring added value, but also pose risks, says Olaf Scholz. In an interview, he talks about “nonsense,” prejudices and the role of traditional media.
Chancellor Olaf Scholz has recommended that social media users take a critical look at the information disseminated there. “Social media has added value, I am convinced of that. But it also brings with it new challenges. In my view, the greatest danger lies in the return of prejudice,” Scholz told the news portal t-online. “Users are constantly provided with information that only reinforces their own positions and prejudices,” Scholz added.
“We need a new understanding of what is nonsense. We have to learn not to believe everything that is written somewhere,” warned Scholz. “It used to be the case that if someone told a lie at work, in a bar or in a sports club, their colleagues and friends would say: ‘Hey, that’s nonsense.’ Today they go online, find a handful of like-minded people and believe they are right. But it’s still nonsense!” Scholz made clear. The state can do a lot to combat false information, “but in the end it’s up to each and every one of us,” Scholz appealed to users.
Scholz believes that the role of traditional media is becoming more important. “They are the experts in researching whether information is right or wrong,” the Chancellor stressed. He added: “The media today have to be much better in this regard than ever before in order to compete with unpaid content.”
Source: Stern
I have been working in the news industry for over 6 years, first as a reporter and now as an editor. I have covered politics extensively, and my work has appeared in major newspapers and online news outlets around the world. In addition to my writing, I also contribute regularly to 24 Hours World.
