So, I have been thinking about how everyone, including myself, wishes to stay in-the-know, but do not trust new sources. Sadly, “alternative truths,” misinformation, disinformation, etc. is a thing and not going anywhere. So, what if an app was created that allowed for people to choose which news sources to receive information from? This concept would allow for individuals to search for and select specified news sources, instead of pre-selected news stations that severely limits what a person reads?
This app is a combination. The social collaboration of Flipboard, the news postings of Google News, and the privacy of Mastodon. Privacy would be the priority, and no sharing of data is allowed, directly. Open-source and free for all users. Any posts made would generate from a selected news article from a list of categories, and the user would have the option to share within Mastodon or on other social media platforms. The app would allow a person to search for any news stations they wish to follow (worldwide), and the top/trending/breaking news stories for each selected station would load in the feed. No subscriptions will be required as the news links would only be for one article each.
If a user wishes to confirm if the information in a certain article is accurate, then a generative AI tool can be selected for fact-checking by an option within the 'New Post' window. Fact-checking would be accomplished by verifying the originator of the article (editors, staff writers, opinion pieces), accessing and verifying data from publicly available and official sources (census bureau, government reports, international organizations, e.g., WHO)
Users would be allowed to debate with one another, or in a group, with the added option of 'Open Discussion' on every news article within their feed. A new pop-up window would surface, and conversation would begin. To keep the discussion respectful, an AI moderator will automatically activate and scan for inappropriate and harsh language (curse words). Words in all caps, included. When the AI scans such language, the user will be unable to post until they have corrected/deleted.
To combat crashes and slow processing times, the app would have to be modified into a simpler version for mobile devices.
Summary: Private – no tracking, no third-party sharing/advertisements
Collaborative – interact with other users (publicly and privately)
Accurate – generative AI software fact-checks requested news links against other sources, verifies originator, and reports accuracy percentage
Perhaps an idea like this is too intricate for a desktop/mobile app and can be simplified. Maybe instead create a platform that allows people to create their own news articles. Not magazines like Flipboard, but instead. Hmm... perhaps I am overreaching. What I really want is for people to be able to openly and respectfully discuss topics, especially potentially triggering ones, in a public forum. This could show society that we are capable of interacting with one another without reducing ourselves to hurling insults and flinging mud at each other.
Scratch everything. I now know what I want to accomplish. An app that allows everyone to make their own commentary on individual news articles. Instead of people waiting to watch The Daily Show or listening to BenCast for an opinionated summary of what is currently occurring. Instead, this app will allow for average, everyday folks to voice their own thoughts for others to follow and reply to, if desired. Any statements made that are being regarded as fact will be automatically verified by an AI fact-checker.
Scratch all of that. I just want to open an online forum that is free for everyone and allows people to open discuss topics without judgement or hostility.