Since the beginning of the year,
we have been bombarded with information. Our modern life is rich in information
which we can see on our TV’s, computers, and even on our smartphones. But with
the onset of COVID-19 and then the reaction to the death of George Floyd
information seems to have come to us at supersonic speeds and in amounts that are
hard to comprehend.
Along with this flow of
information comes the potential for misinformation and in some cases
disinformation. Observers have been warning about misinformation, especially with
the COVID-19 pandemic. The flood of information has been putting fact checking
organizations such as”snopes.com” on overdrive. In fact, the World Health
Organization has coined the word “Infodemic” as “…an overabundance of
information – some accurate and some not – occurring during an epidemic.” An
Infodemic makes it hard “…for people to find trustworthy sources and reliable
guidance when they need it.”
Misinformation is simply incorrect
or misleading information. Misinformation can be spread unintentionally by
anyone who has read or heard it in good faith believing that it is true.
Disinformation is false
information purposely spread to influence public opinion or obscure the truth. People
intent on exploiting a situation often spread disinformation. This can be groups
who want to influence political decision making. Scammers who want to steal
your money can use disinformation. Also, fraudsters who offer products that
claim to cure or treat diseases will spread disinformation. And disinformation
can be passed on by well-intentioned people.
The wave of misinformation has
caused concern by academics. Two University of Washington professors teach a
course on “Calling Bullshit.” They, along with other academics, have started
the Center for an Informed Public at the U of W that researches how misinformation
and disinformation affects our values, beliefs and decision making.
Academics have developed practical
steps that anyone can take to evaluate the information that they read or hear,
especially on social media. Mike Caufield, a digital information literacy
expert at Washington State University, has developed a methodology that anyone can
use to check the validity of information that they read without taking
extensive measures to do fact checking.
The methodology follows an overall
philosophy of
·
Slow down
·
Pick trusted sources
The methodology, called “SIFT,” has
four parts,
1. Stop-
When you read something that gives you a strong emotion, shock, surprise, or a
strong urge to share, STOP, then go to the next steps.
2. Investigate
the Source- Is this a reputable source? For example, on Twitter, hover over
the sources name. Is the source in a position to have knowledge about what they
are talking about? If you do not recognize the source do a Wikipedia search.
Most publications have an entry in Wikipedia. An easy way to do this search, is
to add Wikipedia to the URL. If you cannot find an entry, then you probably
should question the credibility of the publication.
3. Find
Better Coverage- If the “reporting source” doesn’t inspire confidence, but
the story is still compelling, see if anyone else is covering the subject. A
Google (or Bing) search should help you. You can also select the headline then
right-click, long press, or cmd-click. A list of links on the subject should
pop up. If no one else is covering the subject or claim, you might become more
suspicious about it.
4. Trace
Claims, Quotes and Media to the Original Context. First, check the date. Is
this old information circulating now? Next click through to the original source
of the claim from the reporting source. Do a quick search in the article of key
terms in the claim. If you find the terms, the claim may have validity. If you
don’t you might continue to be suspicious.
This advice has wide applications
to evaluating what we read on social media. However, you can use it to prevent
becoming a victim of crime. Similar advice is used to avoid scams. If you have
heard recommendations on avoiding fraud and scams, you know that scammers try
to get you emotional so that you do not act logically. And experts on scamming
often recommend asking a friend or family member if the claim that the scammer
makes is logical. To independently check out a claim that you owe utility fees,
are in trouble for not going to jury duty, or to check directly with your
grandson/granddaughter that they are truly OK. Also, to be skeptical of miracle
cures or offers that appear to be too good to be true.
This is another way of saying the
same thing,
·
Think more, share less
·
Slow down
·
Pick trusted sources
Sifting Through the Pandemic:
https://infodemic.blog/
https://infodemic.blog/
University of Washington- Center
for an Informed Public:
World Health Organization-
Mythbusters:
Calling BS:
The Seattle Times:
Snopes:
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