Not just the last 50 years; probably since Gutenberg.
How did the mass print media influence the United States decision to declare war on Spain? [Spanish-American War, 1898]
"How did the mass print media influence the United States’ decision to declare war on Spain? The papers printed exaggerated stories and outright lies to whip up popular support for American intervention in the rebellion."
There’s a really hokey old newsreel of “Spanish American war” naval battle obviously filmed in a bathtub with model ships and cigar smoke. It probably was convincing to a significant percentage of Americans.
Myths are powerful. We internalize them and regard others questioning them as a personal affront. This is not the most useful human trait when confronted by professional grade crafters of narratives.
Discernment is critical.
Not just the last 50 years; probably since Gutenberg.
"How did the mass print media influence the United States’ decision to declare war on Spain? The papers printed exaggerated stories and outright lies to whip up popular support for American intervention in the rebellion."
https://colors-newyork.com/what-role-did-hearst-and-pulitzer-play-in-the-spanish-american-war/
"You furnish the pictures. I'll furnish the war."
There’s a really hokey old newsreel of “Spanish American war” naval battle obviously filmed in a bathtub with model ships and cigar smoke. It probably was convincing to a significant percentage of Americans.
Myths are powerful. We internalize them and regard others questioning them as a personal affront. This is not the most useful human trait when confronted by professional grade crafters of narratives. Discernment is critical.