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The existing methods of fighting fake news are becoming counterproductive. In an attempt to prevent the propagation of false information, a revolving effect is often generated that eventually increases the awareness of such information albeit unintentionally.
Sanctions are ineffective
Unlike several years ago when the spread of information was easier to manage and control, the popularity of social media and the constant improvements in mobile technology make it difficult to control any information that gets out to the public. Therefore, the reactionary methods that are being employed by most authorities in the form of threats and sanctions may be seen as the proverbial case of âcrying when the head is already offâ.
Resorting to damage control or attempting to discourage rampant propaganda within the news industry is clearly not paying off. This is why big companies are employing methods that could realign the focus of news creators and the consumers of information. This is a realignment that will encourage stakeholders in this industry to become more professional and truthful rather than seeking cheap popularity by using misguided content.
Adopting a superior approach
Rather than continuing in playing the role of the chaser, Ask.fm is leading the way with other big social platforms in realigning the narrative. The proactive methods employed in this case is aimed at addressing the matter from the root, thereby discouraging fake news from coming to life at all. Instead of the regimented ban and sanctions approach, the platform has adopted an incentivized model that will motivate goodwill and professionalism in the industry.
The Ask.fm model will utilize blockchain technology to encourage a democratic environment in order to allow the community to determine the best sources of information fairly and independently, and in turn to reward users accordingly. This will work through the implementation of smart contracts. If the conditions of a questioner are fulfilled by a responder, these smart contracts will release payment in the form of the platformâs ASK Tokens (known as âASKTâ).
This system will improve the reliability of the ecosystem, ensuring that high-value content is rewarded and rises to the top, where it can be viewed by more members of the community.
The bane of technological advancement
The reasons why fake news has thrived in recent times is not difficult to deduce. Emerging technologies are making it easy for anyone on the internet stage to spread or find information really fast. The Ask.fm platform is popular for its recognition as a hub for answers. With over 215 million members, it is expedient that information found on such platforms rather be authentic. Hence the high rating that the platform receives consistently. The same cannot be said for a lot of other existing information sources in the digital media ecosystem. Even traditional mainstream media have all found internet presence all in an effort to boost coverage and reach. Therefore, whatever the reason, which are in most cases ulterior and premeditated, all that is needed is usually a little bit of controversy and such content goes viral, leaving behind unique consequences.
Fake news and propaganda have been employed by political enemies, estranged partners, conflicting nations and several other levels of rivalries. Independent publishers seeking traffic and ignorant trigger-happy keyboard warriors have all been guilty of giving out false information that eventually spread like wildfires. This structure makes it difficult for the reactionary methods being employed in the form of threats and sanctions are turning out ineffective.
Reward over punishment
As already mentioned above, the system being introduced by Ask.fm represents a total moving away from the old narrative of threats, sanctions and forceful correction. This revolutionary system adopts blockchain qualities to deliver an incentivized model that will encourage the right actions from the onset.
Since the system offers a âratingâ structure, content generators and news publishers will be motivated to post content that will guarantee their long-term relevance, rather that the hit and run approach in the industry today. The news consumers on the other hand will play a significant role in their own emancipation and deliverance from poisonous insincere content. A more interesting aspect is that the entire process is fully democratic and incentivized.
Blockchain technology and tokenization have introduced humankind to a new era of internet of value. Almost every effort today can be monetized in a decentralized manner. This brings us into the era of proper democratic participation and enables the implementation of solutions that are closer to the people. Fake news is a menace that is ripping through the media and news industry, but with this new approach a more appealing measure is introduced that will self-manage the production line and ensure sanity in the industry.
Disclaimer
The views and opinions expressed in this article are solely those of the authors and do not reflect the views of Bitcoin Insider. Every investment and trading move involves risk - this is especially true for cryptocurrencies given their volatility. We strongly advise our readers to conduct their own research when making a decision.