This article from allkpop got me intrigue for the day.
Not because of the content it covers, but how the author manipulates people who solely rely on her article to veer them in the direction she wants.
The first thing that captures my attention is the malicious choice of words.
Take for example the word “blast”, according to dictionary.com, “blasts” means “to affect with any pernicious influence; ruin; destroy”. So the title itself already creates an anchoring heuristic that Dongwan’s action was wrong.
In case you are wondering what is anchoring heuristic, quoting Wikipedia - Anchoring and adjustment – Describes the common human tendency to rely too heavily on the first piece of information offered (the “anchor”) when making decisions.
Following the claim of Dongwan blasting a fan, the title ingeniously said he apologized.
So without going through any further details, the immediately understanding would be Dongwan blasts a fan and subsequently apologized for his wrongdoings.
If you need an example of quoting out of context, look for this article =) It totally misses the entire point Dongwan was trying to make. But unfortunately it appears more interesting than the more factual M Wave article.
Another ingenious manipulation by the author: Putting on a neutral tone but feeding misleading information to the public.
Firstly, the translation of Dongwan’s post:
When you put the translation from both websites together, it is clear AllKpop makes Dongwan sounds more offensive. Intended, of course.
Secondly, allkpop reported partial truth and withheld the most important piece of information - the fan’s identity was not revealed.
To make matter worse, they uploaded a mosaic picture from Dongwan’s original post misleading people to think that the fan’s identity is revealed in the picture.
Let’s also not miss out on how they make the fan a victim claiming she is unaware her photo will be posted by Dongwan on social media.
I think every SHCJ got that warning from fan accounts that unacceptable behaviour means you are going up there no? And it is not as if that is the first thing Dongwan resorts to. Multiple warnings for her to act in a proper manner were given.
Thirdly, playing with our subconscious again; another play of word. Quoting the article: “Since his initial posting, many fans joined in on criticizing the girl in the photo for her behavior.”
The sentence subtly suggests Dongwan’s lead the criticism of the girl, which very well explain why their translation of Dongwan’s first post.
The sad truth is that many entertainers are the real victims of media. Honestly the author might have nothing against Dongwan, but putting him in a bad light creates more gossip and attention which is their real purpose.
To write an article the way they do ensures critical comments from public and defense from fans. Just look at the statistics of MWave article and AllKpop article.
So next time when you come across an article from a irresponsible site, please take it with a pinch of salt.
P.S: My intention of this post is only for my views on how allkpop manipulated the situation. I am not going to join the debate on Dongwan’s oppa action at the moment. Maybe if I have time on the weekend…or maybe not xD
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