Context:

Oakdale, California, once reliant on traditional media, has shifted towards online sources like Facebook groups and podcasts due to the decline of local news outlets and growing distrust in mainstream media. This shift has led to misinformation spreading rapidly, exemplified by a 2020 incident where a militia was misled by false rumors on social media. Efforts to moderate these online platforms have resulted in even more fragmented and polarized information sources. Residents have varied news consumption habits, with some turning to alternative media like The Epoch Times and others relying on social influencers. Despite these changes, a segment of the population continues to seek balanced information by comparing perspectives from different news outlets.

Dive Deeper:

• Oakdale, California, has experienced a decline in local newspapers and traditional media, prompting residents to turn to online platforms like Facebook groups and podcasts for news, contributing to a growing distrust of mainstream outlets.

• In 2020, a militia was drawn to Oakdale by a false rumor spread on a Facebook group, highlighting the dangers of misinformation in a community now lacking reliable news sources and leading to confusion among residents and local authorities.

• Moderation efforts on social media groups to combat misinformation have backfired, with frustrated users creating their own spin-off groups, further fragmenting the community's information ecosystem and often leaning towards conservative viewpoints.

• As traditional news sources become less trusted, residents have turned to alternative media like The Epoch Times, a publication known for its right-wing slant and misinformation, which has gained popularity despite its controversial nature.

• The town's diverse media consumption habits reflect broader societal trends, with some residents embracing social media influencers for news, while others attempt to find balanced perspectives by using aggregators that highlight media biases.

• Despite the changes in media consumption, some residents maintain traditional media habits, such as listening to radio broadcasts or reading the local newspaper, seeking a semblance of unbiased reporting amidst an era of widespread skepticism.

• Efforts to protest against political figures like Trump and Musk are organized through alternative communication channels like email, as social media censorship prompts activists to find new ways to mobilize without misinformation interference.