The recent battle over government funding highlights the power and flaws of the new information ecosystem. Elon Musk and his followers on X proved they dominate the Republican media industrial complex, using a digital revolt to kill a spending bill and open the door to a government shutdown.
This phenomenon shows how misinformation can be spread rapidly, even when accompanied by self-certainty from influencers like Donald Trump Jr. The claim “We aren’t just the media here now. We are also the government” reflects this reality, where ordinary people can become the media and amplify information with little fact-checking.
As a result, discerning truth becomes increasingly difficult. Businesses, too, face pressure to adapt to evolving events, making it harder to separate reality from micro-movements that quickly gain or lose momentum.
This brings attention to the need for media companies like Axios to up their game and offer clarity in moments of confusion. The example of New York Times columnist Zeynep Tufekci’s observation about the 1954 Seattle windshield panic highlights how ordinary people can now spread misinformation, which is then amplified by mainstream media outlets.
The context of newspaper cuts during the pandemic has also led to a reliance on social media and streaming platforms for news. This shift has resulted in a loss of accountability coverage for thousands of US counties, leaving communities relying on TikTok for news.
Insiders warn that Musk’s digital revolt was just the beginning, and that his army of followers will continue to review and amplify information, making it difficult for Congress to pass bills without “crazy” content. The government shutdown highlights the need for reliable, actionable information and increased skepticism when consuming news.
Source: https://www.axios.com/2024/12/20/government-shutdown-media-vs-reporting-musk