Sylvia Wynter's Dream

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5P9iu3ND0Ig

D: So– Sheere, knowing that my topic is, “The voice of Fake News in the Jamaican Media”- What exactly is your view of “fake new” in general?

S: So– my views on fake news, I personally believe that it is misleading and– it will cause some negative impact on people life. For example, defamation of character, and it can also result in mental health issues—so the victim may end up developing some psychological issues because of the news that have been spread—which is not true, and—it may eventually lead to suicide.

D: Yeah indeed it probably will—you brought up an interesting point, defamation of character, can you elaborate more on that?

S: Sure, I can—so, with defamation of character now—let’s say a person was involve in a crime, now remember this is fake news so it is not true. So, can you imagine now how I would feel and how the Jamaican citizens would actually look at me, so imaging my picture being published out there—for a crime I did not commit and I—don’t know anything about. Can you imagine how that would actually tarnish my character, how everyone would look at me—and that may even prevent me from getting future jobs, and if I am currently working, that would actually—I might end up losing my job and all of that, so think about all of that.

D: Wow, these are some good points you are making. I have a curious question, have you ever encountered fake news yourself?

S: Yes I have, and can I tell you how traumatized I was—one such incident was just the other day with Spice—yeah when they were saying spice was in coma, and all of that—and then—from out of nowhere her manager came out and said—that nothing like that, she’s good and everything. So, I’m like—what’s really happening with these people?

D: Yes I have heard about that. Would you say these news outlets are—applying sensationalism to their work?

S: I would definitely say yes to that question—I mean, each time I read the headline, I feel so disappointed, trust me.

D: Yeah I can understand why you’d feel disappointed. Tell me Sheere, do you have any social media news outlets in mind that spread fake news or sensationalism?

S: Yeah man, I believe Stars, Trust me—Them known for that.

D: Yes, indeed they are. My final question to you Sheere is your view on ethical journalism, do you think Jamaican bloggers are writing ethically in their post?

S: So—I um, I would say no because from my perspective, Jamaican bloggers are just doing this for the fame—and all of that, while looking at it from the ethical side, I believe when your thinking about ethics, you’re thinking about morality, what’s wrong—they’re not necessarily doing it for fairness, but—I think just for the hype.  

D: Yeah I would agree most of them are doing it just for the attention, the clicks, and the read, and so yeah that’s a good point you just made.

D: Well, thank you Sheere for giving me the opportunity to ask you couple questions about fake news in Jamaican media, it was nice having this conversation with you.

S: You’re most welcome Domenic, it was indeed my pleasure sharing with you.