Operational
Manipulating the correct information or images for the purpose of deceiving them. Even if
the information itself such as images and numerical values is correct, it is an item that is
operated to give the viewer an impression different from that obtained from the original
information by adding malicious ingenuity to the way the information is displayed.
Although the information itself is correct and not a complete fake, it is common with other
items in that it manipulates the impression of the viewer. In addition, care must be taken as
most of the case are performed to give an impression in line with the opinions of the person
presenting the information.
Japan case
The existence of "graphs" is extremely important when communicating information. Even
if only the numerical value is written, that information cannot be conveyed well. It is a well-
known fact that when information is projected on a graph and made into an image, the
impression that the graph wants to convey can be easily conveyed to the viewer.
However, the fact that it is possible to easily impress the outline of information with a
graph means that if you use an incorrect graph or a graph for manipulating impressions, the
viewer will have an impression that incorrect or manipulated.
< An example of manipulating the impression of the viewer by using a graph that emphasizes a part >
In 2021, the current situation where the new COVID-19 infection is spreading all over the
world, various information, and fake news are flying around. Television, which is an
information medium that many people see, conducts street questionnaires as one of the
news related to many new COVID-19 infections. Furthermore, it is published daily as the
opinion of the people. Of course, it's not a bad thing in itself. Rather, we are grateful for the
fact that the opinions of the general public are summarized. However, there was news that
had problems that would be dealt with on this page.
As I mentioned at the beginning, graphs are an important way to convey an impression.
And graphs are used in many programs of TV every day to deliver information to viewers in
an easy-to-understand manner. The news of the street questionnaire mentioned above also
summarized the results in a graph, but the problem was in that graph. The graph (below)
says, "If anyone is infected with the new corona, I think it's their fault." At first glance, We
think that the number of people who "think so" in Japan is much larger than in other
countries. To be more extreme, it may seem that the number of people who "think so" in
Japan is several times that of "don't think so".
< Actual Photos >
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Naturally, this opinion is subjective and varies from person to person, so it cannot be said
that this graph generally manipulates the impression. Also, except that we started from
80% instead of 0%, there is nothing wrong with the numbers and the scale below, so if you
take a closer look, the number of people who "do not think so" is much larger than " I think
so". However, it is enough to give the impression that the number of people who " think so"
in Japan is very large. For example, even if you use the same number, if you express this
result with a graph starting from 0% instead of this graph starting from 80%, the impression
you give to the viewer will be different.
The TV station that produced and released this graph has now released the image of this
graph, the image of the graph re-expressed starting from 0%, the apology and the reason
for using this graph, on the Internet. As you can see from these two graphs, even if the
same numerical value and the same information are shown, the impression will change so
much just by showing them differently. When reading impressions and information from a
graph, it is important to check the numerical values and imagine an accurate overall
picture of the graph.
Abroad case
Even if the photos are posted, it is difficult to fully understand the scene. Certainly, having a photo will make it easier to read the scene. Having a photo is very important just because you can see the scene from a distance. However, there is little known information about photographs because they can only cut and save a small part of the scene, a viewpoint from one direction.
< An example of the same photo looking different due to different situations such as viewpoints. >
One of the terms used in relation to the new coronavirus is the term "three densities," which is a combination of three conditions that make it easy to become infected with this virus.One of the terms related to the new coronavirus is "Sanmitu," which is a combination of the three conditions that make people more susceptible to infection by this virus: "hermetic," "close," and "dense. The current governor of Tokyo, Mr. Koizumi, is one of them. As the current governor of Tokyo, Yuriko Koike, has been using this term a lot in the press, it is important for us to be aware of the effects of the new coronavirus As Yuriko Koike, the current governor of Tokyo, has made many appeals for this term in the press, it is effective to avoid airtightness, closeness, and crowding as a countermeasure against the new coronavirus.The new coronavirus is transmitted by contact. The infection of the new coronavirus is caused by contact and droplet infection, in other words, by being in three dense situations. The new coronaviruses are transmitted by contact and droplet infection, which means that they are transmitted in a three-dense situation, and therefore, infection control measures to avoid this are very effective. Therefore, people are more interested in avoiding the three densities.Therefore, people have become more sensitive to avoiding the three dense situations, and many people are more careful when they see a person in the three dense situations.Therefore, people are sensitive about avoiding closeness. Naturally, this is a good thing to do in order to control the spread of infection. But please look at this photo.< Actual photos >
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At the time this photo was taken, the new coronavirus infection was rampant in the world, so one of the so-called "three Cs ", "crowded places ", should be avoided. But as far as this picture is concerned, people appear to be lined up and crowded as they were before the outbreak. Should the people in the photographs who are doing things that spread the infection during this time be blamed?
Please look at this photo.
< Actual photos >
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This photo was taken at the same time and place as the photo above, the only difference is the camera angle. However, the impression you get from the photo will be very different from the one above. Looking at this picture, we can see that people are lined up at intervals to avoid "three Cs"situations and are not crowded places. They haven';t done anything to blame. Even for the same photo, the viewer's impression will change depending on the direction and location of the photo.
Then take a look at this photo.
< Actual Photos >
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Like the photo above, this photo was taken during the epidemic of the new coronavirus infection, but people are close to being "crowded places." The social distance of 2m is not secured. They relax and chat as if we had no infectious diseases. Unlike the photo above, they are not aligned in a straight line, so even if you take a picture from another angle, the crowded state does not change, and it looks that people are really neglecting measures against infectious diseases. Will they be blamed this time?
Finally, please take a look at this photo.
< Actual photos >
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This photo was taken again at the same time and place as the photo above. The difference is whether or not the photographed lens has a wide angle. A telephoto lens (a lens that takes a long distance) is used for a photograph that looks dense, and a wide-angle lens (a lens that can take a wide range) is used for this photograph. Even if there is only that difference, the impression will be very different. At least the impression that people were chatting at close range and neglecting infectious disease control was false. You can see that even with the same photo, it is possible to give the photographer the impression that he or she wants to have by devising photography such as lenses. Just because you have a photo doesn't mean it's true, it';s important to judge the correctness yourself.
Summary
Everything in the news on this page is based on real information, so it may be a little different from fake news. The numbers on the graph are correct, and of course the photographs are taken from the actual situation. However, it turns out that it is possible to give the viewer a wrong impression by devising a way to convey information about the facts such as graphs and images. Graphs and photos are useful. You can easily impress the information you want to convey. Therefore, it is possible to give the viewer a strong impression of the impression that the person transmitting the information wants to have and the impression of being manipulated. When you glance at the graph of "Cases that can be placed in Japan", it may seem that the Japanese have a strong exclusive attitude. When you look at the images of "Abroad cases", you may feel that people have a low sense of crisis about the COVID-19 infection. Whether it's clearly known to be correct information or something that can be used as a solid basis, you should always be conscious of doubting that information and looking at things from multiple angles.