However, after reading an extensive collection of articles throughout these past years, it's clear that many articles are entirely based upon a quote, or two, and common perception/knowledge. Past articles are frequently used as sources and stories are continuously updated without the necessary investigation. This method of reporting can be extremely dangerous.
I am aware that presenting an article with an in-depth historical description, as well as all relevant facts, is unfeasible and would necessitate every article to be of excessive length. However I would advocate greater care and attention to detail in reporting as many times "facts" seem to evolve over time.
The danger of writing an article, without continuously examining the foundations of the story, is that some stories become so twisted through repeated telling that they enter the realm of fiction.
I would like to bring to attention the Y2K debacle. I find it hilarious and pathetic that the whole scare stemmed, apparently, from two computer analysts stating that some computers may be adversely affected at the turn of the millennium, due to the technical limitations of the internal clocks.
It has been estimated that hundreds of billions of dollars, by the US, and hundreds of millions, by the UK, were spent on prevention measures. Ironic that when 1/1/2000 unfolded the countries that spent an enormous amount of money on prevention fared as well as those that spent none, with only few and minor problems reported across the globe.
Now, I am not saying that there was no need to investigate the problem however the media played a key role in inflating the problem. The media has a lot of power, and anybody that says it does not influence the governments stance is beyond naive. All that money wasted when it could have been put to so much better use.
As a wise dead man once said "With great power comes great responsibility" (Uncle Ben 19#$)
The news media must act with great care, as its influence plays a part in shaping the world.
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