False Balance is a tactic where two sides of an issue are presented as equally valid — even when one is overwhelmingly supported by facts and the other is misinformation or fringe belief.
It creates fake controversy. 🧵
#FalseBalance #FightDisinformation
It creates fake controversy. 🧵
#FalseBalance #FightDisinformation
Comments
🔹 Media or speakers present both sides as equally credible
🔹 Give airtime to debunked claims to appear “fair”
🔹 Confuse the audience into thinking the truth is “somewhere in the middle”
👉 Balance isn’t always truth — sometimes it’s distortion
🔹 For years, news outlets gave climate scientists and deniers equal time
🔹 Result: public confusion and delayed policy action
🔹 The weight of evidence was ignored in favor of “debate”
👉 Facts don’t need equal counterpoints from fiction
🔹 Vaccine science vs. anti-vax conspiracy theories
🔹 Established election results vs. baseless fraud claims
🔹 Holocaust history vs. denialists given platforms for “balance”
👉 False balance amplifies lies under the guise of fairness
🔹 People are taught to respect both sides
🔹 It feels “neutral” and non-confrontational
🔹 Journalists fear accusations of bias
👉 Fairness without discernment spreads disinformation
🔹 Equal coverage of expert consensus and fringe claims
🔹 “Some say” statements without qualification
🔹 Panels that place scientists next to conspiracy theorists for ratings
👉 If nonsense is given equal footing with fact, call it out
🔹 Value evidence over appearance of balance
🔹 Question why both sides are being given equal weight
🔹 Demand clear explanations of what’s credible
👉 Truth doesn’t need to share a stage with deception
You check near to every box in this thread! And this is real bad for #ÖRR ...
But I am sure, that this doesn't bother you a bit!