7 Ways to Avoid Becoming a Misinformation Superspreader When the News Is Shocking
In the wake of the assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump, the problem of misinformation is more pressing than ever. Internet platforms like Facebook and X are working to curb its spread, but no method has been completely successful. The best defense against misinformation is self-defense. Here are seven strategies you can use to avoid being misled and prevent yourself from spreading inaccuracies.
1. Educate Yourself
Understanding the tricks of disinformation is the best inoculation against it. One effective strategy is “prebunking,” which involves familiarizing yourself with common disinformation tactics before encountering them. Researchers at the University of Cambridge developed an online game called “Bad News,” which has been shown to improve players’ ability to identify falsehoods.
Beyond games, learning about how social media platforms operate and understanding scientific research and standards of evidence can help you become less susceptible to health-related and scientific misinformation.
2. Recognize Your Vulnerabilities
People who acknowledge their biases are less likely to be misled than those who underestimate them. Research shows that confirmation bias makes individuals more susceptible to misinformation that aligns with their preexisting views. Be critical of information from sources you agree with and seek out diverse perspectives.
It’s crucial to be honest about your biases. Many people think others are biased but believe they themselves are not. This misconception can make you more vulnerable to misinformation.
3. Consider the Source
Different media outlets have varying levels of bias and reliability. The Media Bias Chart can help you identify which outlets are most and least partisan and how factual they are. Playing the online game “Fakey” can also reveal your susceptibility to different types of news presentations.
Ensure you know how trustworthy a source is before sharing information. Be aware that some disinformation agents create fake sites that mimic real news sources. Engaging in critical thinking about your sources can improve your ability to distinguish fact from fiction.
4. Take a Pause
When online, especially on social media, accuracy often isn’t a priority. However, sharing misinformation can have serious consequences. Before sharing, take a moment to consider whether the information is true and why you want to share it. Reflect on the potential consequences of sharing misinformation.
Research shows that most misinformation is shared impulsively. Taking your time to evaluate information can help prevent the spread of falsehoods. You are not a breaking-news organization; there’s no rush to share.
5. Be Aware of Your Emotions
People often share information based on gut reactions rather than critical thinking. A recent study found that people in an emotional state are more likely to share misinformation. Anger and anxiety, in particular, increase vulnerability to misinformation.
Approach your social media feeds with a rational mindset to reduce the likelihood of spreading false information.
6. If You See Something, Say Something
Standing up to misinformation publicly can be uncomfortable but is necessary. Explicitly critiquing the reasoning in a post and providing counterevidence is effective. Even short refutations like “this isn’t true” are better than saying nothing. Humor can also be effective, as long as it doesn’t ridicule the person sharing the misinformation.
People trust human corrections more than algorithmic labels, especially from close connections or subject matter experts. Public debunking also signals to others that they should verify information before sharing.
7. If You See Someone Else Stand Up, Stand with Them
When someone else points out misinformation, support them. Multiple people calling out falsehoods signals that sharing misinformation is socially unacceptable. This collective action discourages others from spreading false information and reinforces the importance of accuracy.
Allowing misinformation to spread unchallenged makes it more likely that people will start to believe it. Repeated exposure to false information can make it seem true over time.
There is no perfect solution to misinformation. Some falsehoods are harder to counter than others, and different tactics work better in different situations. However, by employing these strategies, you can protect yourself and your social networks from confusion, deception, and falsehoods.
By adopting these seven strategies, you can help combat the infodemic and ensure that you and those around you are better informed and less likely to spread misinformation.
