Finding
the truth in news stories and our day to day lives, for that matter, is
becoming harder and harder to unravel. As examples, the Facebook revelations
last week and the data harvesting of all our information, by companies likes
Cambridge Analytica. Were we really so surprised, to find out that the wee
annoying, pop-up adverts and messages that appear on our social media pages are
targeted directly at us? We’re certainly not that stupid, or are we?
Are
we really that easily suckered? I’d like to think that the majority of people,
who used social media are savvy. Savvy enough to know that whatever they looked
at, posted or registered for is being “Gathered” or “Harvested” by someone.
Chief amongst them all has to be Facebook itself. No matter what settings you
opt out of, your information is ALL traceable and therefore collectable. The
fact that this has a monetary value means that other third party companies, can
purchase that statistical data and sell it on to their clients for “Marketing
purposes”.
I
have actually taken the time to look at the information that pops up on all my
social media pages. I must confess, no doubt to the joy of Mrs Garland, that
the majority of messages and images are relating to bikes, at this precise
moment. Nothing more or nothing less, just bikes and bike paraphernalia! There
are no political messages or African Princes offering me a share in millions of
Dollars. Maybe I am the exception to the rule, or are the vast majority of us
viewing these adverts as just annoyances? In truth, how many of us actually read
these adverts? Then immediately rush to the old internet and buy said product
or service? I couldn’t see many, if any, of my friends or colleagues using
those ads as a call to action.
The
truth is that some, a small minority, will be influenced by those social media
pop-ups. Even fewer of us will be inclined to change our voting habits. I
sometimes feel that these stories are as much about fake news, as the fake news
itself.
It’s
the truth attracts our attention. It is always a surprise to realise that we
are in fact being told legitimate news or information. It somehow comes as a
shock to our system. We are so used to being delivered clever spin, by people
who are paid thousands of Euros, Sterling or Dollars, to circulate degrees of
truth.
Take
the 2040 National Development Plan. Something we all need to support, if there
is even a modicum of truth contained in said document. We’ve become very
excited about the fiscal funds being given for Waterford’s North Quays. However,
they haven’t so far. There is a process to complete and before any funds
secured our application must meet the criteria.
That
promise of a Technological University for the South East? No matter how this is
promoted, a degree from a Technological University will not hold the same
prestige, as a degree from a mainstream Irish “University”.
We
were enthused with the Capital Sports Grants. Announcing that participation in
sport would be increased. Thousands of Euros ended up in private members clubs
and fee paying schools? “Build it and they will participate”, is NOT supported
by the evidence. Evidence of non-participation, confirmed by ESRI. This money
would have been better spent on engagement programmes and encouragement.
One
man’s truth, is another’s obfuscation, distortion or even equivocation. Take
the Brexit border issue with the North. Take the continuing debates and the
various positions adopted. Another topic, for another day, but rest assured the
truth is out there.
Whistleblowers,
paper trails and computer wizardry, uncover the “Cover ups!”
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