Imagine satire as a mischievous jester in a grand mediaeval court. Clad in a patchwork of vibrant colours and jingling bells, the jester dances around the room, twisting and turning in exaggerated gestures. With a grin that hints at knowing secrets, he holds up a mirror, reflecting the follies of the court for all to see. His humour is sharp, his antics exaggerated, and his purpose is clear: to reveal the truth beneath the pomp and pretence.
This jester’s mirror is not just any reflective surface; it’s a puzzle of irony and exaggeration. Every twist and turn shows the flaws and pretensions of those it reflects, changing them into comically absurd shapes. The audience, entertained and provoked, can’t help but laugh while seeing the deeper truths hidden behind the humour.
Satire, in essence, is this jester’s art. It employs wit and exaggeration to challenge societal norms, reveal hidden truths, and critique the powerful, all while keeping its audience in stitches. It’s a dance of humour and critique, where the jest is both a playful jest and a pointed jab aimed at making us reflect on the world’s idiocy and our place within it.
However, this powerful tool is not without its pitfalls. It can sometimes contribute to misinformation, blurring the lines between fact and fiction and leading to unintended consequences.
Mechanisms of Misinformation through Satire
I. Exaggeration and Misinterpretation
Satire often employs hyperbole to make a point, but this exaggeration can be misinterpreted as literal truth. For instance, a satirical news article that depicts a politician engaging in ridiculous behaviour might be taken literally by some readers, leading them to form skewed perceptions of the politician’s actual actions or character.
II. Confirmation Bias
Content that aligns with existing beliefs or biases can reinforce false information. When satire reflects or exaggerates a person’s pre-existing views, it can validate and amplify them, leading individuals to accept distorted or misleading information as fact.
III. Lack of Context
Satire often depends on specific cultural or political contexts for its humour and critique to be fully understood. The content can be misinterpreted when the context is unfamiliar, potentially leading to confusion or misinformation. For instance, a viral 7-minute video on WhatsApp in Ghana falsely depicts former UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson being interrogated by a fictional team, AC-12. The video, created by the group Led by Donkeys, parodies Johnson using clips from the series ‘Line of Duty’ and his public speeches. While the parody was clear to a British audience, some viewers in Ghana believed the video was real.
IV. Selective Sharing
On social media, satirical content is often shared without context or acknowledgement of its satirical nature. When users share satirical posts as if they were factual news, this can lead to the spread of misinformation. The rapid dissemination of such content can amplify misinformation and confuse the public.
Case Studies and Examples
I. Political Satire
Political satire often targets public figures and policies with exaggerated portrayals. For instance, satirical cartoons depicting politicians as bumbling or corrupt can sometimes be interpreted as accurate representations of their behaviour. This misinterpretation can misalign public opinion and contribute to misinformation about political figures and their actions. For instance, a TikTok video circulated in Sierra Leone featuring a man dressed in military uniform, warning that his troops would take over the country within 24 hours if the upcoming election wasn’t free and fair. Upon investigation, DUBAWA confirmed that the man in the video is a comedian who performs under the persona of President Abundura of the fictional “Laughter Republic.” His mistake in stating the election date as June 23 instead of June 24 and his identification as a comedian on social media proved the video to be a satirical skit rather than a real threat.
II. Social Media Satire
This type of satire can be seen in posts on platforms like Twitter, Facebook and TikTok, which are particularly prone to misinterpretation. A satirical tweet mocking a government policy might be retweeted and shared as if it were a factual report, leading others to believe in the existence of a policy or event that never actually occurred.
A fake Facebook account impersonating Montserrado County lawmaker Yekeh Kolubah has posted insulting remarks and memes, targeting female representative aspirant Karishma Pelham Raad ahead of the 2023 National Elections. The account posted derogatory comments, leading some to believe it belonged to Kolubah due to his reputation for outspoken criticism. However, after contacting both the account user and Kolubah, DUBAWA affirmed that the account was fake and not linked to the lawmaker. See more instances of social media satire here, here and here.
III. Cultural and Religious Satire
Content that satirises cultural or religious practices can be especially problematic. Some might take exaggerated portrayals of religious figures or rituals literally, leading to misunderstandings and the spread of misinformation about those practices or beliefs. For example, In 2019, a viral video showed South African pastor Alpha Lukau allegedly resurrecting a man during a church service. It was later revealed to be staged, with the man already alive before the event. However, the dramatic nature of the video fuelled confirmation bias in viewers predisposed to believe in miraculous events, leading many to accept the resurrection as real. Pastor Lukau later apologised for the misleading act, which sparked online satire, including the #ResurrectionChallenge, mocking the exaggerated religious claim.
IV. Impact on Society
When mistaken for fact, satire can distort public perception, leading to misunderstandings about real-world issues. This confusion can weaken trust in legitimate news sources, as people may become sceptical of the media when satirical content is believed to be true. Additionally, satire that reinforces stereotypes or biases can intensify societal divides, amplifying existing prejudices and creating further conflict.
Mitigation Strategies
I. Labelling and Transparency
Satire should be clearly labelled as satire to prevent misunderstandings. Clear disclaimers and contextual information can help readers recognise the intent behind the content and avoid misinterpretation.
II. Media Literacy
Promoting media literacy is essential for helping the public critically engage with satirical content. Educating individuals about the nature of satire and its role in commentary can help them distinguish between satire and factual reporting.
III. Responsible Satire
Satirists and media outlets have a responsibility to ensure their content is not misconceived as factual. By providing context and being mindful of potential misunderstandings, satirists can mitigate the risk of contributing to misinformation.
Conclusion
Satire remains a valuable and potent social critique, providing insights into societal flaws and injustices through humour and exaggeration. However, its potential to promote misinformation underscores the need for careful consideration and responsible presentation. Recognising the nuances of satire is crucial in preventing the spread of falsehoods.
The researcher produced this fact-check per the DUBAWA 2024 Kwame KariKari Fellowship, in partnership with Prime Progress, to facilitate the ethos of “truth” in journalism and enhance media literacy in the country.
Satire acts like a court jester, using humour and exaggeration to unveil societal truths and critique the powerful. This form of wit reveals flaws through irony and hyperbole but poses risks of misinformation when taken literally or out of context. Mechanisms like exaggeration, confirmation bias, lack of context, and selective sharing can lead to misinterpretations and the spread of false information, especially on social media. Political, social, and cultural satire can distort public perception and reinforce biases, affecting societal trust.
Mitigation strategies include clear labelling of satire, promoting media literacy, and responsible satire creation to distinguish it from factual content. Recognizing the satirical nuance is crucial for preventing misinformation while maintaining satire's critical societal role. This understanding aids in preserving trust in media and mitigating societal divides.
