OTT : Propoganda Trojan Horse

The use of over-the-top (OTT) media services as a substitute for traditional cable and satellite TV has grown in popularity in recent years. OTT has altered the way we consume entertainment, but it has also come under fire for having the capacity to spread propaganda.
The broadcast of inaccurate or biassed information with the goal of influencing people’s opinions or actions is known as propaganda.

Propaganda can be defined as the dissemination of biased or misleading information intended to influence people’s beliefs or behavior.

credit : Hi tech

In this article, we’ll take a closer look at OTT and its propaganda.

What is OTT?

OTT describes the distribution of video material via the internet instead of through conventional TV broadcasters. The well-known OTT services Netflix, Amazon Prime, Hulu, and Disney+ are a few examples. Viewers can stream a variety of TV episodes, films, documentaries, and other entertainment via these platforms whenever they want.

How OTT promotes propaganda

The fact that OTT may be utilised to spread propaganda is one of its key complaints. Dissemination of information, concepts, or viewpoints with the aim of influencing people’s thoughts or actions is referred to as propaganda. Advertising, news, and entertainment are just a few examples of the numerous forms that propaganda can take.

1. Biased promotion

One way that OTT can promote propaganda is through the content it offers. For example, a platform may choose to promote certain TV shows or movies that align with its political or social agenda. This can lead to the platform presenting a biased view of the world, which can influence viewers’ beliefs and attitudes.

2. Biased Recommendation

Using its algorithms, OTT can also spread misinformation. OTT platforms employ algorithms to suggest content to users based on their watching patterns and history. This may offer a more individualised viewing experience, but it may also result in a “filter bubble” (will describe in next section). This might make it challenging for viewers to draw objective judgements.

3. Biased Content

By selecting content, writing biassed scripts, twisting the truth, creating filter bubbles, and using sponsored content, OTT can promote propaganda that hides in content. Viewers must be cautious of the content they consume, look for other sources of information, and engage in debates with people who hold different opinions. It is crucial for OTT platforms to make sure the content they promote is neutral and unbiased. They will be able to generate educated judgements and make defensible decisions as a result of this. OTT can be used to spread propaganda that conceals itself in content in the following ways:

1. Selection of Content:By selecting content, writing biassed scripts, twisting the truth, creating filter bubbles, and using sponsored content, OTT can promote propaganda that hides in content. Viewers must be cautious of the content they consume, look for other sources of information, and engage in debates with people who hold different opinions. It is crucial for OTT platforms to make sure the content they promote is neutral and unbiased. They will be able to generate educated judgements and make defensible decisions as a result of this.
2. Biased Scripts: TV and film scripts can be written to further a specific agenda or narrative in order to further propaganda. For instance, they might exalt some people or groups, paint others in an unfavourable light, or falsify the truth in order to further their own agendas.
3. Manipulation of Facts: OTT platforms can distort facts to favour propaganda by selectively providing information or using deceptive information. This can make it difficult for viewers to form educated conclusions and to see the truth.
4. Filter Bubbles: OTT platforms employ algorithms to suggest content to users based on their watching patterns and history. This could result in viewers just seeing one side of an issue, which is known as a filter bubble. Because of this, it might be challenging for viewers to see other ideas and opinions, which would strengthen the propaganda.
5. Sponsored Content: Sponsored content on OTT platforms may function as propaganda for political or social causes. This can take the shape of commercials or sponsored TV programmes and films that promote a certain point of view.

How to deal with it

1. Content Moderation Policies

There are a number of ways to deal with propaganda on OTT. Platforms can first put in place content moderation procedures that guarantee the objectivity and impartiality of all content. This may entail creating an impartial review panel to check for bias and propaganda in the information.

2. Algorithm transparency

Platforms can be open about their algorithms and how they direct visitors to particular pieces of content. This can motivate viewers to seek out a variety of opinions and help people realise how their viewing preferences are influenced.

3. Alternative sources

Last but not least, viewers can make an effort to be more critical of the OTT content they consume. This can entail investigating alternate information sources, fact-checking statements made in TV shows and movies, and having interactions with others who hold opposing opinions.

In Conclusion, OTT has changed how we consume entertainment, but it has also sparked concerns about propaganda. We can make sure that OTT supports informed and balanced viewpoints by putting in place content control regulations, being open about algorithms, and encouraging users to be critical of the content they consume.