false truths

Manipulation of language is common practice for politicians and the media. Euphemisms, rhetoric, spin and lies are all tactics employed to sway public opinion on particular issues. This practice is unethical when it restricts people’s opinions.
Without proper awareness and knowledge of these issues, the public may digest the information they receive without questioning it. There is a great need for public awareness of language manipulation and for people to be able to discern what is true.
With different messages being put forward by different media outlets and politicians, people may become unsure of what is true and what to trust. We aim to make news more credible and relevant by empowering people with the tools to consider the source of news and to make their own judgements on the truth.
We hope to encourage a better informed society in which individuals are better equipped to understand and evaluate the information and issues presented to them; a society whose actions are informed by the truth and in which people can form and share their opinions.
Initially, our research consisted of reading books, journals and articles to compose a literature review, which exposed gaps for further research. We went on to conduct a survey, a social experiment and a content analysis to further inform our direction and solution.
The answer to the problem is empowerment with knowledge and getting people enthusiastic about the idea. We aim to inform people about manipulative language and the agendas that those in authority may have. We aim to show them where they can find truthful and accurate information. In the absence of such information, we aim to better equip people to judge truth from lies. We also aim to get people involved in a dialogue on important current issues, including the manipulation of language.
A society whose actions are well informed and not influenced by negative manipulation is what we want to achieve. Encouraging people to speak up, to voice and share their opinions and to understand how language manipulation takes place are the implications of our solution.