Context
Misinformation cannot exist without context, whether that context is an election season, a global pandemic, an environmental disaster or a community at risk. Social tumult can help misinformation spread
In times of crisis we turn to our communities to get our information. We share what we know, and don't always make sure that everything is factual.
Ferreira notes that “Factual information, but also the various types of wrong information (inaccurate and purposefully false information), when accepted as valid, shape the way people understand and respond to this public health crisis, as well as their assessment on how institutions are handling it.”
We sometimes place trust in certain experts in our communities, ones that don't necessarily have the educational expertise, but have a position in our community that makes them an authority, or has lived experience that makes them an expert in a situation.
We can’t necessarily do much about the tumultuous world we live in, but we can use some strategies when we engage with our audience to acknowledge the tumult and use it to our advantage.
Citation: Ferreira, G. (2021). Conspiracy Theories in Times of the Covid-19 Pandemic: Populism, Social Media and Misinformation. Comunicação E Sociedade (Braga.), 40, 129-148.
Addressing context
While no amount of fact checking and information evaluation techniques can stop all of the social tumult in the world. There are a number of things you can do to help stop the spread of misinformation in tumultuous times.
- Understand that there are both forces for good and bad actors in any community. Identify who they are and amplify the forces for good. The bad actors do not need your stitch, share or retweet. That only increases their engagement and viewers due to the algorithms.
- Ask yourself why you’re sharing information - is it to inform others? express outrage? be smug about someone's downfall? Stop and think before you share. Misinformation - especially the misinformation that is designed with malicious intent - is designed to give you big feelings. Be smart about what you share.
adapted from Cybersecurity & Infrastructure Security Agency: Disinformation Stops With You