The Importance of Using Precise Language to Counter Misinformation
In today's digital age, where information spreads rapidly and easily, the battle against misinformation has become increasingly challenging. The term "fake news" has been widely used and misused, causing confusion and eroding trust in journalism. “Fake news" gained prominence during the presidency of Donald Trump, who used the phrase a staggering amount of times (apart from television appearances, Trump used the term “fake news” in at least 73 tweets) to discredit critical reporting and sow doubt in the minds of the public. This tactic has been employed by other authoritarian leaders globally, undermining the credibility of independent media. The indiscriminate use of the term "fake news" has resulted in its dilution and loss of impact. To counter this, journalists must adopt a more nuanced approach to address false or misleading information.
“People's relationship with the news is critical for them to become engaged citizens of their communities and [to] make really informed decisions about how they live in their cities [and] communities,” said DeMario Phipps-Smith, the News Literacy Project’s senior manager of community learning.
Language plays a pivotal role in shaping public perception and understanding. When discussing false information, journalists should refrain from using blanket terms such as "fake news," considering the political baggage now attached to the term, and instead employ language that accurately describes the nature of the misinformation. Terms like "not rooted in truth," "misleading information," "biased information," or simply "mis- or disinformation" are much more specific to the root of the problem when dealing with misinformation, and the clearer the root of the problem is, the more the reader can understand which pieces of information they can and cannot trust, and why.
It is essential to differentiate between deliberate disinformation and inadvertent bias. Not all instances of bias in the news should be treated equally—bad actors will sometimes twist information to their own ends, but journalists themselves can even be subject to biases they don’t recognize. This means journalists must also be cautious not to inadvertently spread misinformation themselves. “Misinformation is the spread of disinformation without the intent. You may not know that you're spreading this, you may not have any ill intent, but you're still spreading things that are inaccurate and misinformation,” said Phipps-Smith.
In order to avoid spreading misinformation unintentionally, journalists must do exhaustive research to obtain a deep understanding of the subject matter while balancing that with concise, accessible reporting for audiences. Avoiding unfamiliar or field-specific jargon, which may distance readers, and presenting information in a clear and accessible manner can help bridge the gap between journalists and readers.
Sensational or misleading headlines, commonly known as "clickbait," can also contribute to the spread of misinformation. Recent studies point out that many people only read the headlines without delving into the full article.
“Clickbait works because people click on it. Those flashy banners work because it makes people watch, but it doesn't mean that they're appreciating or enjoying the experience, and it could leave them with a negative taste in their mouth. That then erodes their trust overall,” said Jessica Yellin, journalist and founder of News Not Noise.
Journalists should prioritize accuracy and transparency in their headlines to provide readers with a clear understanding of the content. Engaging readers through honest and informative headlines can build trust and prevent the dissemination of false information.
Transparency and accountability are crucial in combating misinformation. Journalists should be willing to acknowledge and rectify any errors promptly. When mistakes occur, it is important to immediately take responsibility, clarify the inaccuracies, and address them openly–even issuing redactions or writing apology pieces if necessary. By adhering to the principles of quality journalism and being transparent about errors, journalists can maintain and rebuild the public's trust without being accused of manipulation.
“Having a free press is critical to healthy, vibrant democracy,” said Phipps-Smith. “People's relationship with the news is critical for them to become engaged citizens of their communities and make really informed decisions about how they live.”
In a world where misinformation continues to pose a significant challenge, the role of journalists in combating it is more important than ever. It is crucial for journalists and citizens alike to recognize the significance of using precise language to combat misinformation effectively. By doing so, we can promote critical thinking, restore trust in the media, and foster a more informed and engaged society.
