Fact or Fiction? How to Identify Misinformation in Times of Conflict
The Israel-Hamas war has been rife with misinformation. We have explored how to combat misinformation in multiple pieces pertaining to this deadly conflict. However, the team here at foreignpress.org believes it’s eessential to remind journalists about how to identify misinformation (and disinformation) surrounding violent conflict in general.
In the midst of conflicts and heightened political tensions, social media platforms are awash with a deluge of misleading information. Users searching for reliable information to make sense of complex situations face a daunting challenge. Fake news, manipulated images, and misleading videos are disseminated widely, making it crucial to discern fact from fiction.
How can journalists navigate this very sensitive and developing situation?
One characteristic of disinformation is its capacity to evoke strong emotions. The more emotionally charged a piece of information, the more likely it is to go viral. This dynamic plays a significant role in the spread of fake news, particularly in the context of ongoing conflicts. Fake news tends to provoke outrage, which can lead to viral dissemination.
To help you approach information with a healthy degree of caution, consider the following:
Emotional Response: Reflect on how a piece of information makes you feel. Does it trigger strong emotions? Emotions can cloud judgment, so being aware of this is crucial.
Confirmation Bias: Be mindful of information that reinforces your existing views or beliefs. Such content may not be entirely objective.
Motivation: Consider who could benefit from spreading a particular story and why. Recognizing potential motivations for disinformation is key.
Source Analysis: Always try to identify the source of the information. This involves checking the credibility and possible biases of the source.
Trust Your Gut: Trust your instincts when evaluating information. If something doesn't feel right, it's worth investigating further.
With a growing number of users relying on social media, search engines, and aggregators to access news during conflicts, there's often a disconnect between users and the reliable news sources that traditionally provide trustworthy information. These "side-door routes"—a term employed by the Reuters Institute—make it challenging to determine the origin of the information.
Understanding the source is crucial for evaluating reliability and identifying potential biases. When analyzing a source, consider the following:
Account and Person: If it's linked to an individual, check their history and presence on other platforms. If they claim to be a media professional, verify their association with reputable outlets and assess their knowledge of the conflict.
Website: For sources related to websites, explore their "about us" section and search for an imprint that reveals their nature, funding, and potential affiliations.
Reverse Image Search: If the information involves images or videos that might have been manipulated, conduct a reverse image search to trace their origin and authenticity.
Evaluating the content is equally important. For instance, when presented with a dramatic video or claim, search for supporting evidence and credible reports from established news organizations. as misinformation proliferates during conflicts, it's imperative to approach information with critical thinking. Engaging with reliable sources and using fact-checking resources can help individuals sort fact from fiction, allowing for a more informed understanding of complex situations.
