Is Natural Resources News Polarized? Is Social Media Misinformation?

By Amanda Wai, Fored BC Volunteer

Amanda Wai, Fored BC Volunteer

Truth and Misinformation in Media and Social Media 🧐

Social media misinformation and mainstream media narratives in today’s fast-paced digital world can be polarizing and even inaccurate, especially with artificial intelligence. News flashes across our screens; social media feeds are full of updates. However, misinformation is increasingly blurring the line between truth and opinion, often to sell ads, or raise funds. As the famous musician and pop star Madonna once said: "Everyone is entitled to my opinion." Opinions are shared quickly. Unfortunately, stories are shaped by false or misleading content. For example, the David Suzuki Foundation is accused of using a fake photo to depict a BC gas field to spread anti-energy messaging and raise funds.

David Suzuki Foundation is alleged to have repeatedly used a two-decade-old aerial photograph of Wyoming gas wells to falsely depict modern natural gas development in B.C.'s Montney Formation, which produces roughly half of Canada's natural gas.

A Dalhousie University law professor claims that truth often doesn’t matter in the context of social media monetization. But have you ever stopped to think about the narrative being woven, especially when it comes to something as fundamental as our planet’s natural resources?

This YouTube video, "Is Your Natural Resources News Polarized?," compellingly argues that what we see and hear is often a biased perspective in our trusted media sources. This bias can obscure the real value and vulnerability of the very resources we need to survive.

Veteran reporter at CBC quits.

A recent high-profile reporter's resignation from CBC underscores journalism bias that led to his departure. He claims diverse views are not tolerated at Canada's public broadcaster.

Natural Resources: More Than Just Commodities

We must remind ourselves of this simple and profound truth: Natural resources are not just commodities; they are the building blocks of life itself. From the water we drink and the air we breathe to the minerals powering our technology, these resources are linked to our daily existence and well-being. Overlooking their importance means ignoring the very foundation upon which our societies and economies are built.

Our forests provide homes for animals and people, as well as important Indigenous values, that also include economic independence.

However, the media landscape, often driven by specific agendas, can present a skewed picture. The video highlights a critical point: the narrative surrounding natural resources doesn’t always align with unbiased reality. For example, former BC Premier John Horgan (NDP) questioned the motives of some old-growth protestors who were using a road-blocking campaign for fundraising.

Former BC Premier (NDP) John Horgan says activists were using conflict videos to fundraise!

(See *Saanich News article screenshot/link)

Unveiling the Issues

Several concerning issues emerge from this scenario:

• Paid Protestors: There are instances where activists collectively receive funding—up to 1.3 billion dollars from American groups. This money is intended to oppose Canadian logging, mining, or oil and gas projects, leading to reduced competition for U.S. suppliers.

  
  

• Indigenous Voices: Canadian-based Indigenous groups like the Indigenous Resource Network have voiced concerns. They warn Hollywood actors and American interests to stop speaking on behalf of Canada’s Indigenous peoples. Significantly, sixty-five percent of Indigenous communities support resource development.

  
  

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QUOTE:

"True self-determination means it is up to Indigenous communities to determine if a project is in our interest. Not Hollywood celebrities. All we are asking is that Hollywood actors stop speaking on our behalf. You do not know our struggles and you have not lived our experiences. Our Indigenous communities know what is best for us and many have sided with resource development. We want a better future for our people, and that is best achieved by engaging with industry on ownership opportunities."

>- Robert Merasty, Executive Director, Indigenous Resource Network

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Cutting Through the Noise: The Need for Clarity

So, what can we do? The video suggests a powerful tool: Education! By fostering a deeper understanding of what natural resources are, where they come from, and how they support our daily life requirements, we can uncover the truth. Education empowers us to ask critical questions, seek diverse sources of information, and recognize when a story might be painting an incomplete or biased picture.

It’s vital to remember that just because something appears in the media or on social media doesn’t mean it’s true. As one expert notes, these platforms are "rife with disinformation".

Let's seek real, open conversations that challenge biased views and offer a broader perspective. Fore BC provides trusted educational resources in collaboration with BC teachers, volunteers, and youth. They are available for free download by schools, NGOs, parents of homeschoolers, or anyone wanting informative lessons that engage and inspire.

Additionally, you can visit our website’s natural resources links for various groups and credible sources of information.

👀 Watch the video!

Video

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Check out additional resources from some of our educational partners:

Indigenous Resource Network: ‪@IndigenousResourceNetwork‬ 

Young Canadians for Resources: ‪@ycresources‬