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About this quote

What does it mean?
Fast communication spreads truth but also accelerates the spread of falsehoods.
In plain terms
Speed helps share information quickly but also helps lies travel faster.
What can you take from it?
Verify information before sharing, even if it travels fast.

Where it applies

  • news cycles
  • social media
  • public discourse

Putting it to work

  • fact check
  • slow down sharing

Questions to consider

  • How do you verify news quickly?
  • Is speed worth the risk of misinformation?

Another view

Speed also allows truth to reach people faster than ever before.

More from Edward R. Murrow

  1. A satellite has no conscience.

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  2. We cannot make good news out of bad practice.

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  3. The newest computer can merely compound, at speed, the oldest problem in the relations between human beings, and in the end the communicator will be confronted…

    Permalink to quote #12

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