The Evolution of Misinformation: From Televangelism to Social Media Manipulation
In the mid-1970s, Jim and Tammy Faye Bakker pioneered a new form of broadcasting with their television program, the Lord of Praise (PTL) Club. Their emotional appeals and personal narratives led to a massive following, and their ventures into evangelical television and satellite networks paved the way for a new era of raising funds through emotional manipulation. Their strategy showcased how emotionally charged content could drive significant viewer donations, creating a lucrative enterprise despite subsequent scandals that led to their downfall.
The Rise and Fall of the Bakkers
The Bakker’s success was heavily dependent on Tammy Faye’s emotional displays during broadcasts, often shedding tears while discussing health issues and the need for aid. This strategy not only garnered sympathy from their audience but also turned into a financial windfall. However, their empire ultimately crumbled amid allegations of fraud, substance abuse, and scandal, highlighting the dangers and ethical implications of emotional exploitation in media (New York Times, 2007).
Misinformation in the Era of Social Media
Today, a similar trend of emotional manipulation can be observed across social media platforms. Rather than televangelism, we now face a digital landscape filled with content creators vying for attention through emotional, shocking, or sensational material. This modern environment has blurred the lines between genuine news, entertainment, and outright falsehoods.
Research indicates that a significant portion of the population struggles to differentiate between reliable news sources and misinformation. A 2024 survey found that 73% of Americans encountered inaccurate news reports about elections at least somewhat frequently, and nearly half of those surveyed reported difficulty discerning the truthfulness of the information they received (Shearer, et al., 2024).
The Four Types of Miscommunication
Dr. Brian Spitzberg categorizes misinformation in his research, identifying four major types: disinformation, misinformation, fake news, and pseudoscience (Spitzberg, 2025). Disinformation is characterized by intentional deceit, as seen in various political influence campaigns. Misinformation, on the other hand, spreads through unintentional inaccuracies. Fake news simulates legitimate news but lacks credible backing, while pseudoscience mimics the appearance of scientific information without adhering to rigorous standards.
A Path to Accuracy
Despite the overwhelming prevalence of misinformation, studies have shown that most people are capable of assessing the accuracy of news articles. Researchers suggest that by subtly shifting focus towards accuracy, the quality of shared news could improve (Pennycook, et al., 2021). Rumi’s advice on thoughtful communication echoes this approach:
Before you speak, let your words pass through three gates:
At the first gate, ask yourself, “Is that true?”
At the second gate, ask, “Do you need it?”
At the third gate, you ask, “Are you kind?”
Implementing these three gates can enhance our digital communication and help mitigate the spread of misinformation.
The Consequences of Misinformation
Misinformation carries serious implications for public health and safety. Incorrect claims surrounding vaccinations have contributed to a resurgence of preventable diseases, illustrating the potential harm of disinformation (Benecke et al., 2019). The politicization of health measures during the COVID-19 pandemic led to unnecessary fatalities, underscoring the urgent need to combat false information (Ferreira et al., 2022).
The Dynamics of Digital Media
Research indicates that false narratives, particularly in politics, tend to spread more rapidly than truthful accounts on digital platforms (Vosoughi et al., 2018). Emotionally charged content often outperforms factual news in terms of engagement, with AI technologies enabling the creation of increasingly convincing misinformation, such as deepfake videos. This development represents a significant challenge in discerning reality from fabrication (Martinez et al., 2024; Sandoval et al., 2024).
Improving Digital Engagement
To mitigate the effects of misinformation, individuals can adopt healthier digital media practices:
- Define clear goals before consuming content.
- Be mindful of emotional responses and apply the three gates before sharing information.
- Seek health-related information only from verified professionals.
- Take regular breaks from digital media to engage in offline activities.
As social media facilitates immediate and widespread information sharing, it is crucial for each individual to take responsibility for the content they endorse. By prioritizing accurate reporting and thoughtful engagement over sensationalism, we can collectively work towards reducing the spread of misinformation.
