Information Literacy against Bullshit-Politics
Disruptive technologies lead to disruptive disturbances in society. This creates fear and anger, which instinctively lead to flight or aggression – flight back to the “good old days” or aggression against scapegoats. Reason is largely switched off in this reaction. Under such conditions, we do not want to discuss budget deficits, the education crisis or security policy.
Despite the general confusion, it is becoming increasingly clear who benefits in and from such an atmosphere. Symbolic or bullshit politics does not solve problems, but confirms and consolidates them.
A theory “On Bullshit” was presented 2005 by the American philosopher Harry G. Frankfurt.
In bullshit politics, there is nothing to understand except that anything may be said and done that serves one’s own purpose. The “ Volk” must believe everything. Disinformation and fake news are just the continuation of religion and esotericism for the purpose of self-empowerment.
Information literacy is based on understanding. This is the only way we can classify events and facts before we evaluate them.