The Irving Diaries reveal a growing awareness and engagement with social media and online news sources, alongside concerns about misinformation and manipulation. This topic highlights how Irving and those around him consumed and reacted to information disseminated through online platforms, and how these platforms were perceived to influence public opinion and shape narratives.
The diaries demonstrate a shift from traditional media to online sources, with a particular focus on news outlets like The Times of Israel and Fox News. There's also a recurring theme of distrust towards mainstream media and a recognition of the power of social media to spread both accurate information and disinformation. The entries reflect anxieties about the impact of online narratives on public perception, particularly concerning historical events and political controversies.
* 2021: Concerns about the portrayal of a figure in the media, with references to "Jewish controlled U.S. news sources" and descriptions of online commentary. ([diary_2021]) 2023-2024: Reliance on The Times of Israel* for news coverage, with suggestions to support it financially. ([emails_2023_2024]) * 2023-2024: Discussion of a film exploring Edward Bernays and the manipulation of public opinion through propaganda, referencing his view of the public as "the enemy." ([emails_2023_2024]) 2023-2024: Observation of increased viewership of Fox News* in areas with large Jewish populations, particularly after October 7th. ([emails_2023_2024]) 2023-2024: Criticism of The New York Times, The Guardian, and Washington Post* for allegedly twisting the truth regarding events in Israel. ([emails_2023_2024]) * 2023-2024: Reference to social media as a platform for spreading denial and misinformation, with mention of individuals claiming "the wounded and dead are all actors!" ([emails_2023_2024]) 2023-2024: Sharing of a news article from Sky News Australia* regarding antisemitism. ([emails_2023_2024]) * 2023-2024: Discussion of Stephen Fry's Channel 4 message highlighting Jewish identity and criticizing antisemitism. ([emails_2023_2024])
Initially, the diaries primarily document reactions to media coverage. As time progressed, there's a more explicit focus on the role of social media in shaping narratives and the potential for manipulation. The concern shifts from simply observing media portrayals to actively analyzing and critiquing the online information ecosystem.
* Propaganda * Antisemitism * The Times of Israel * Fox News * Nakba