After five years of studying, writing and speaking about mis- and disinformation, and sounding the alarm, it would be nice for me to think Kiwis were taking the threat seriously. We are discussing it, it’s true, but we are actually doing very little.
Many people think it can’t happen here when it is already happening here.
We could be the Finland of the South Pacific, teaching critical thinking to our children, but with better weather. Instead, we may end up as just a colder version of Queensland, where I once had to explain to a popular radio host that the moon landings were not faked.
To leave the university city of Dunedin for a trip around the South Island is to encounter evidence of information disorder everywhere anti Three Waters signs every few kilometres by the roadside and, in one town, protesters holding placards saying “The media lies” drawing raucous support from passing motorists.
There are genuine questions about the plans for new water authorities, but the debate is our version of critical race theory; opposed by people regardless of the facts.
This is my last column in this series. I have a new book to write, and a TV documentary and podcast series to make. To be honest, it will also be a relief to spend less time thinking about Conspiracy World.
Denne historien er fra November 12-18 2022-utgaven av New Zealand Listener.
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Denne historien er fra November 12-18 2022-utgaven av New Zealand Listener.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent? Logg på
First-world problem
Harrowing tales of migrants attempting to enter the US highlight the political failure to fully tackle the problem.
Applying intelligence to AI
I call it the 'Terminator Effect', based on the premise that thinking machines took over the world.
Nazism rears its head
Smirky Höcke, with his penchant for waving with a suspiciously straight elbow and an open palm, won't get to be boss of either state.
Staying ahead of the game
Will the brave new world of bipartisanship that seems to be on offer with an Infrastructure Commission come to fruition?
Grasping the nettle
Broccoli is horrible. It smells, when being cooked, like cat pee.
Hangry? Eat breakfast
People who don't break their fast first thing in the morning report the least life satisfaction.
Chemical reaction
Nitrates in processed meats are well known to cause harm, but consumed from plant sources, their effect is quite different.
Me and my guitar
Australian guitarist Karin Schaupp sticks to the familiar for her Dunedin concerts.
Time is on my side
Age does not weary some of our much-loved musicians but what keeps them on the road?
The kids are not alright
Nuanced account details how China's blessed generation has been replaced by one consumed by fear and hopelessness.
