When they are not slobbering over the latest report from the Centre for Countering Digital Hate, the Guardian can be found doing whatever it takes to peddle the myth that our helpless children are having poison poured into their ears by playbook-wielding bad actors who have taken over the internet. As a result, over a third of UK teenagers now believe that climate change is exaggerated, wails the Guardian. And then there is all that nonsense about net zero being unaffordable and stuff. What are we to do? Will the Online Safety Bill be enough? Has anyone got any smelling salts?
But just how bad is this crisis of misinformation? Well, thanks to the Guardian, we are about to find out, since they have just launched their very own survey:
“We would like to hear from young people (18 and over) in the UK about what they think is behind this. What are the main narratives people around you discuss?”
Well straight away that’s a bit of a sampling problem we have there, seeing as they want to solicit the views of the youth but can only ask adults to respond. Never mind, I’m sure they know what they are doing. After all, they then add:
“We also want to hear from parents, teachers and others working with young people. Do you think there have been recent triggers, or part of long-term trends? What impact is it having? Are you concerned?”
Yes, please be concerned, we really do want to hear from the concerned. So go on, share your experience:
“Please share your story if you are 18 or over, anonymously if you wish.”
Shall I? Do you durst me? It would be anonymous, after all. There’s no way they would know that I am actually one of those evil playbooking perverts. It’s only a short questionnaire (three questions and a request) so it will only take me a few minutes. Okay, here goes:
Q1: What are the main types of misinformation or divisive narratives you’re seeing? How do you feel about this?
Me: I keep being told we are all going to die when the temperature rises by 1.5 deg C and it is pissing me off because it isn’t true.
Q2: Where is this coming from? When did it start?
Me: It’s from you, you bastards. But I think it all started when the scientists discovered politics.
Q3: What impact is it having?
Me: All the kids I know are traumatised. Happy now?
Q4: Please share any photos of the mould in your accommodation.
Me: What the f**k? Do you want a picture of my knob whilst we’re at it?
Go check this out for yourselves. I’m not making it up. Guardian, you have surpassed yourselves.
Climate Scepticism 
The Guardian’s blind pig has accidentally found a truffle:
Fear is the special ingredient, used massively, to addict people to the climate consensus.
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A1
Old white cismen keep telling me climate change is a Chinese hoax.
A2
It started last week, and pervades all social media and the right-wing press that I only read for the salacious celebrity goss.
A3
People no longer want to have children. At least, I can’t get a date. Actually no. The shouty men are probably helping me to get a date, if anyone’s listening to them. But no-one my age listens to them. Except me.
A4
Did you know that a good way to invite damp into your home is if energy is so expensive that you can’t afford to put the heating on?
[Fantasy answers only. I didn’t darken the Guardian’s door.]
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Panic is setting in…
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Eh? What? Is this for real? Does the last question have some relevance to the first three or is it some kind of trick question? Does mould make people more susceptible to online disinformation?
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Of course, inappropriately insulating homes that need to be well ventilated can lead to mould.
What it has to do with a misinformation crisis is beyond me – unless it’s something to do with the Guardian’s ongoing misinformation project.
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According to Dr. Paul Armstrong, a researcher with the USDA, As mould grows, it gives off carbon dioxide.’ Therefore, if there is a CO2 spike, there is likely an increase of mould activity.
Black Carbon, humanity’s Prince of Darkness and he’s lurking right here in your house!
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Presumably the strange request for photos of mould is just a mistake caused by reusing an existing questionnaire rather than creating one from scratch. The fact that it got published is testimony to the Grauniad’s infamous quality control. But even without that error, the questionnaire demonstrates what happens when junk science meets hack journalism.
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Fear is a great control mechanism, ignorance is it’s propogation method – free yourself, get informed, challenge all, accept nothing without thorough analysis
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