Publication Date

2023

Document Type

Book

Description

In this paper, I contrast The Simpsons and South Park to highlight how differing satirical strategies have the potential to spread disinformation through confirmation basis. The creators of South Park, Matt Stone and Trey Parker, employ a satirical strategy that does not seek approval or input from the objects of their satire. In contrast, the creator of The Simpsons, Matt Groening, seeks approval and agreement from the objects of their satire. Their different approaches to how they present their content to their audience coupled with the concepts of confirmation bias serve as yet another way for the possible spreading of disinformation. I argue that the difference between these satirical strategies can be defined using the terminology and conceptual frameworks of disinformation studies, namely, confirmation bias and theories of satire that highlight its potential to perpetrate disinformation.

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Satire As Confirmation Bias: South Park Meets The Simpsons
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