Andrey Kiryakov: Fake stupid news is circulating the serious media

The so-called fake news manages to break into the serious media almost every day. But I dare to call this fake news and foolish, because it really is, because it is very easily verified. However, it once again reveals the phenomenon of complete supremacy of the emotional over the rational, so characteristic of today's times, fanned mostly by the so-called social media.

Many serious media circulated the news that the foundation of the flag in Rozhen was cracking and urgent repairs were needed to prevent the pylon from falling. And this happens only a year after the official opening of the 111-meter pylon, with our beautiful national flag… Horror!

It is interesting that this time actually very serious and proven media covered this news without elementary verification. The news broke two days ago, it seems to have taken off as far as it can be traced at a quick glance. It began to be circulated in various online editions, and there have even been comments and analyzes by serious people on this case, who discuss the beginning of the cracking of the foundation, one with our opportunities as Bulgarians and our national character… Horror!

And in general, there really is a tragedy, for no other reason than because it takes no more than a minute to check, so that a person can understand what it is really about. The point is that there are problems not with the foundation on which the pylon is placed, but with a small map, with patriotic inscriptions, placed on its side on a large pile of gravel. This map, made up of several marble slabs, has indeed shifted due to not being placed on a stable foundation, but it has nothing to do with the pylon and the problem with it is very minimal, fixable within hours and with very little money .

However, the self-flagellation in the media, on social networks and channels has already begun - about what our patriotism is, what our nationalism is, that we cannot do one thing like humans, etc. It is clear who benefits from the spread of such statements and from comments undermining our national self-esteem. But it is not clear whether this particular piece of news was written out of simple stupidity and stupidity, or whether all this was done on purpose, precisely to cause the reaction it caused.

I am addressing the serious media… Just do a basic check, no more, on topics that can cause such a wave of reactions. If other people, the readers, do not have time to check the information, then it is your duty.