Tag: Paul Reilly
Faced with an ‘infodemic’ of fake news about Covid-19, most people are checking their facts – but we mustn’t be complacent
As fake news spreads about Covid-19, early evidence suggest that most people are responding sensibly, and double-checking the information they receive. However, given trust in journalism remains low, it remains vital, argues Paul Reilly, that we all act responsibility, and verify what we read and watch.
The fight against coronavirus ‘fake news’ should begin with our political leaders, not just online trolls
Disinformation and fake news stories have proliferated since the start of the Covid-19 pandemic. Paul Reilly discusses their spread and effects and argues that, while this is concerning, misinformation from official government sources is far more damaging to public trust – and therefore to public health as well.
Social media can play a key role in campaigns against paramilitary-style assaults in Northern Ireland
Assaults on young people in Northern Ireland by paramilitary groups remain prevalent, though under-reported. Paul Reilly and Faith Gordon detail how social media has been used both by such paramilitary groups to ‘police’ young people and how it can also become a tool for organising campaigns against such violence in the long term.
Local journalists have key role to play in combating ‘fake news’ in Northern Ireland
With Northern Ireland politics at a dangerous stalemate, Paul Reilly argues that the countering of disinformation by both politicians and an independent local media, and a robust and independent press complaints procedure, is vital for ensuring trust in the news media and creating a healthy information environment.
Sinn Féin MP’s resignation demonstrates the dangers of social media for politicians
On 15 January, Barry McElduff, Sinn Féin MP for West Tyrone, resigned after a video he posted on Twitter offended victims and families of the 1976 IRA Kingsmill massacre. Paul Reilly (University of Sheffield) examines what this incident means for politicians who make use of social media in Northern Ireland.
Tweeting for peace? Twitter may help to defuse sectarian tensions in Northern Ireland
Research by Paul Reilly investigates the ways in which the peaceful protests of loyalists and nationalist residents of Northern Ireland in July 2014 were digitally mediated. While acknowledging that social media has often been used to reinforce divisions between rival communities in Northern Ireland, his findings suggest that Twitter may have untapped potential in facilitating modes of […]
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