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Disinformation is flourishing on nearly every online platform in the U.S. False information on Facebook, for example, is now three times as popular as it was during the 2016 election.
Disinformation that goes viral has huge consequences. It confuses and manipulates voters, turns social media platforms into toxic places, harms public health, and makes it more likely for people to form misguided worldviews. All of these things threaten democracy and human rights.
Leading up to the general election on November 3, we expect to see a firehose of disinformation. You can help fight it. Below are common falsehoods you may see online over the next few weeks, and information on the best way to respond: Do not amplify or engage with mis/disinformation.
It’s also important to acknowledge that fighting disinformation shouldn’t be left up to the user. The responsibility, first and foremost, lies with the tech platforms. Until companies address underlying business models (which amplify dangerous, inflammatory content), lawmakers and content moderation practices are just putting bandaids on a festering wound.
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First, it’s important to recognize the problem and what disinformation usually looks like. While not comprehensive, here are some of the most common, recent topics that have included disinformation. Check out The New York Times’ real-time tracker here.
COVID-19 is a hoax, or not as bad as health experts claim.
Mail-in voting is fraudulent.
Women candidates behave unethically, and their political achievements are illegitimate.
Black Lives Matter organizers are violent and loot.
We will receive results the night of the general election. (Delays are normal and expected, say experts.)
There will be a Democrat-led coup against President Trump.
A “civil war” will erupt on Election Day.
✅ 1. Verify the content is misleading before you engage.
🚫 2. Don’t engage publicly. Call in, not out. Send a private note politely saying that it’s incorrect. Even better: ask them to remove it.
🥪 3. Try the “truth sandwich.” As MIT Tech Review notes, use the fact-fallacy-fact approach: Say what’s true, debunk any falsehoods, and say what’s true again.
🗣️ 4. Consider the perspective of the person who shared the story. Never assume a poster has malicious intentions.
❤️ 5. Avoid escalation. Attacks never convince hearts and minds.
ℹ️ 6. Be a resource for others.
Anyone can fall prey to disinformation. Follow these organizations and individuals working to fight disinformation for more tips:
Please tweet more recommendations at us @accessnow. Together, we can #DisableDisinformation.