Is It True? A Step-by-Step Guide to Navigating News in the Media
Written by 2024 Intern, Georgette Mensah-Hayes
Have you ever come across an article or post on social media and thought to yourself: is this true? I’ve had my fair share of moments where I’ve read posts online and wondered if it was the truth or a simple lie. Turns out, most of the time when I do wonder if a post is real, it turns out to have an extent of false information within it. Furthermore, when I read media posts regarding any type of news I am quick to believe everything written in the post. My thoughts when reading are “why would anyone lie?” and “of course what I’m reading is the truth!” I came to find out that the majority of information I consume online either doesn’t tell the truth whatsoever or lacks the full truth. What do I do to combat this? Tackling this feat comes from learning more about the spread of information in today’s world.
It is especially important in this age of media that we as readers and consumers are able to distinguish between facts, opinions, and misinformation online. Technology as a whole has completely transformed how we create, share, access, and make sense of information on a global scale. As written in Influence Operations and Disinformation on Social Media, social media platforms have dominated all aspects of interactions we share as humans (Bradshaw, 42). This is shown in the ease with which information is spread throughout the world via social media. I often don’t find a need to watch the news as I receive my news from most, if not all, of the social media platforms I am on. However, with this newfound source of all things news and information, most agree that misinformation, disinformation, and fake news have become much more prevalent as the years have progressed (Broda & Strömbäck, 2024).
It is so easy now to be led astray and to believe everything that is put online, but we must be able to critically evaluate everything we consume online in order to stay accurately informed. The goal of this article is to educate on all things misinformation and disinformation, and steps on how to avoid it.
Misinformation vs. Disinformation
Before we make sense of how to navigate these two topics we must first know exactly what they are. Misinformation is defined as “false and often harmful information, which is not shared with malicious intent” whilst disinformation is defined as “false and malicious information, which is shared deliberately to cause harm,” (Tanner, 2020). Though these are similar, the difference lies in the intent behind each. However, both are harmful to consumers.
These are not new phenomena but received heightened interest due to political events around the world such as the 2016 U.S. presidential election, where copious amounts of misinformation, disinformation, and fake news were present. We have always had to deal with things like rumors, gossip, propaganda, and more but now it's on a worldwide scale whereas before it was more word of mouth.
We are all potential spreaders of misinformation and disinformation. When we repost on Instagram, X (Twitter), TikTok, or Facebook there is increased potential for spreading information that is not true and risk amplifying false or harmful information. On the other hand, most of us have never knowingly shared misinformation.
Common types of misinformation
1 . Unrealistic headlines
An example of an unrealistic headline would be something for clickbait. These include sentences such as “X Things You Should Know Before X” and “X Things They Don’t Want You Know About X.” Another example of unrealistic headlines is using what is called the “piggybacking” technique. This involves referencing a well-known figure or company in conjunction with the information in the post or brand.
2. Statistics and Data Misrepresentation
This is common amongst political posts showing poll numbers, people’s thoughts on candidates, and more. These numbers can often be found to be fake or overly exaggerated, affecting how people view candidates and policies, which can be very harmful.
3. Fake social media accounts/websites
This phenomenon known as “computational propaganda” is used by agents of MDI to host their messages. “Bots” are automated and used to draw people towards misinformed accounts. In addition, people can add themselves to group chats via apps such as GroupMe, WhatsApp, or Facebook and use fake news stories to spread misinformation and disinformation amongst real accounts who then share that false content (Tanner, 2020).
4. AI
With the rise of AI and the ability of all media to be manipulated however we wish, it is growing easier to be lied to simply through a photo. I have been manipulated via AI, mostly in the form of videos that I believe to be real but quickly turn out to be fake.
Practical Steps to Avoid Misinformation
1. Read information from more than one source
Usually when news posts are made, multiple sources post regarding the same thing. It is important to read them all to get the most information possible and to gain a full understanding of the topic at hand. I also like to read the comments on posts as well as to hear other’s opinions.
2. Fact-check all information you read
When consuming media, be sure to make sure all of your information is accurate. By using websites that end in “.org,” for example or any website and news outlet that you trust, you can ensure that you are always getting the full picture.
3. Educate yourself on topics you read about
Doing self-research on the topics you read about and how to distinguish between different types of media are important to develop critical thinking skills. In the age of AI, it is especially important to know what you are consuming so you’re not misguided.
4. Engage in conversation with loved ones and those you trust
By using facts as a guide, engage in meaningful dialogue to encourage the sharing of opinions with those you trust. Dialogue and discourse with those around you aid in the development of a holistic approach to all information you receive online. In terms of misinformation, it can aid in its mitigation.
5. Report misinformation you come across
Especially in terms of news, it’s important to report posts that don’t tell the truth. It could have so many adverse consequences but by reporting it you are able to fix the potential spread of misinformation and mitigate its effects.
Conclusion
It is especially important to verify all facts before sharing information. When it comes to international news, or simply being informed of what is happening in the world, we must have all the facts, make sure that they are accurate, read multiple sources, engage in conversations with others, and report misinformation when we see it. I encourage you all to stay on your toes whilst consuming any content from the media but to also be responsible and skeptical at all times. You never know what you may find.
References
Bradshaw, Samantha, and Centre for International Governance Innovation. “Influence Operations and Disinformation on Social Media.” MODERN CONFLICT AND ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE, Centre for International Governance Innovation, 2020, pp. 41–47. JSTOR, http://www.jstor.org/stable/resrep27510.9. Accessed 27 Nov. 2024.
Broda, E., & Strömbäck, J. (2024). Misinformation, disinformation, and fake news: lessons from an interdisciplinary, systematic literature review. Annals of the International Communication Association, 48(2), 139–166. https://doi.org/10.1080/23808985.2024.2323736
TANNER, JONATHAN. 10 THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT MISINFORMATION AND DISINFORMATION. ODI, 2020. JSTOR, http://www.jstor.org/stable/resrep49765. Accessed 27 Nov. 2024.