Verifying Information in Today’s Digital Platform with Megan Hobza
News Overload
When an influx of information is available twenty-four hours a day, and news outlets report information contradictory to what is seen in lived experience media, how can it filter the truth? Digital media consumption is different across generations, and ultimately, people rely on platforms like TikTok, X (formerly known as Twitter), Facebook, and Google searches for news. Contradictory information between news outlets like CNN, MSNBC, Fox News, etc., and social media platform TikTok, showing live footage from independent journalists and community members, promotes distrust of conventional journalism.
A Candid Conversation with Megan Hobza
I sat down with a colleague turned friend, Megan Hobza, who has over 20 years in strategic partnerships, consulting for emerging nonprofits in education, harm reduction, healthcare, environment, and the arts.
We explore our vetting of the truth and trustworthy sources in topics currently in our purview.
Below is a breakdown of our 20-minute conversation:
0-37 seconds - Introduction to questioning mainstream media in terms of October 7th and 20/20 special
3:58 - Independent autism community on TikTok providing up-to-date information on personal experiences more current than the DSM-V
6:03 - Information is subjective
6:38 - Effective truth search
7:15 - White women research on prostitution referencing Leidholdt’s Prostitution, Trafficking and Traumatic Stress written in 2003, not the 1980s as said in the podcast
8:56 - Redflag when government websites prove difficult to read to the general public
9:17 - Maxine Doogan, a self proclaimed Political Consultant, Headwhore, BDSMer, referenced in previous articles
9:35 - Sex work iterations break down to street work, digital work, escorts, exotic dancers, workers in the adult entertainment industry, etc.
10:05 <insert salt bae meme>
10:22 - VICE definition
11:24 - Are government sources reliable?
11:56 - Are police departments using methodologies that do not retraumatize victims?
13:21 - Reference to sex trafficking victims being charged with prostitution
13:40 - Intersectionality between over-policing of sex work and homelessness, poverty, family separation, and loss of income.
17:11 - What is considered news?
