[김애란] Fake news or truth?

Fake news or truth? 

By Kim Ae-ran 

Celebrating the 52nd World Social Communications Day on May 13, Pope Francis presented a message about fake news and journalism for peace. Appealing with the title, "The truth will set you free" (John 8:32), Pope Francis encouraged and promoted a journalism of peace that is truthful and faithful. 

Like a pillar of cloud by day and a pillar of fire by night in the Old Testament, I think peace and truth are two pillars to protect journalism from all kinds of "falsehoods, rhetorical slogans and sensational headlines." 

"Communication is part of God's plan for us and an essential way to experience fellowship," Pope Francis said. But in today's fast-changing world of social communications, we often encounter the spread of fake news. Fake news has become a serious issue not only in Korea but all over the world. 

Wikipedia defines fake news as "a type of yellow journalism or propaganda that consists of deliberate misinformation or hoaxes." This false information is distributed and circulated through social media as well as mainstream media. 

As we can see in our daily lives, the thoughtless words and harmful comments of some politicians or leaders are attacking the truth and spreading prejudice. Sometimes, we are even confused and misled about what the truth is. 

Especially nowadays, it is easy, convenient and tempting to spend time on various social media, such as Facebook and Twitter.

The problem is that some people abuse and misuse the goodness of these modern benefits. The devices are the fruits of people with much perseverance and goodwill, but they are often used for the selfish desire to possess more power, money and authority.

South Koreans, and not even all, were used to distortions of reality that were politically hostile against some other countries. At present, the North and the South are trying their best to reconcile and find the best ways to collaborate for a better future, but there are still some powers that go against the goodwill and spread fake news. 

I am so happy that we, Pauline sisters are called to "give the Truth in love to the world" as Fr. Alberione proclaimed. Let us sincerely pray for true communications with a Franciscan prayer of peace that Pope Francis paraphrased as follows:

Lord, make us instruments of your peace. 

Help us recognize the evil latent in a communication that does not build communion. 

Help us to remove the venom from our judgments. 

Help us to speak about others as our brothers and sisters. 

You are faithful and trustworthy; may our words be seeds of goodness for the world: 

where there is shouting, let us practice listening; 

where there is confusion, let us inspire harmony; 

where there is ambiguity, let us bring clarity; 

where there is exclusion, let us offer solidarity; 

where there is sensationalism, let us use sobriety; 

where there is superficiality, let us raise real questions; 

where there is prejudice, let us awaken trust; 

where there is hostility, let us bring respect; 

where there is falsehood, let us bring truth. 

The author is a member of the Daughters of St. Paul (Figlie di San Paolo) living and giving the Good News to the world by means of social communication. Learn more about the congregation at fsp.pauline.or.kr