The increased access to information on cable news and social media is great in some ways, but also dangerous, columnist Bill White said Nov. 12 in a talk at the Hot Topics luncheon sponsored by the League of Women Voters of Lehigh County.

“Journalists used to be gatekeepers” who determined what news was factual and newsworthy, he said, but “there’s no longer gates.”

He talked about some of the questionable posts he’s seen on social media. For example, after Christine Blasey Ford went public with her accusation against Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh, Facebook and other sites were almost immediately flooded with hateful allegations about her.

“People are willing to spread information they know is false,” he said.

“Urban legends can spring up instantly,” he warned. He talked about debunking some questionable medical information by citing sources like the Center for Disease Control and the American Medical Association, and still being challenged by someone who didn’t believe him.

He contended President Donald Trump “created an atmosphere where lies are spread freely” and cited the editorial about health care published by USA Today under Trump’s byline which he said was filled with inaccuracies.

But it’s not only Trump, he said. Cable news is often slanted by anchors who “are in the business of persuading, not reporting. The focus on personalities overlooks what’s really important.”

This climate means “the stakes are much higher for journalists” who want to report responsibly.

He urged his audience to find responsible sources for news and “consume information responsibly.”