What to Keep in Mind When You Encounter Misinformation About the Israel-Gaza Conflict
The Israel-Gaza conflict is unfolding not just on the ground but also on social media platforms, where graphic images and videos are being shared at an unprecedented pace. However, amid the deluge of content, misinformation is spreading like wildfire. From misleading visuals to fake reports, the need for media literacy and critical thinking has never been more crucial.
Here, we present guidance from Alex Mahadevan, director of the Poynter Institute’s digital media literacy initiative MediaWise, on how to navigate misinformation about the conflict during this tumultuous time.
THREE KEY QUESTIONS
To begin your quest for accurate information, ask three fundamental questions:
Who’s behind the information? Start by leaving the page you're on, open multiple tabs, and use keywords to investigate the user or news outlet sharing the content. This process is known as lateral reading. Amid the sea of self-proclaimed experts on Middle Eastern geopolitics, it's essential to search for their name, affiliated organization, university credentials on their LinkedIn page, and their username. Scan the search results to gauge their expertise, and don't hastily click on the first result you see. This approach is referred to as click restraint.
What’s the evidence? Scrutinize the content for credible evidence that supports the claims being made. Fact-checking outlets and reputable news sources often provide valuable context. Cross-referencing information from multiple sources can help you form a more accurate picture.
What do the sources say? Seek corroboration from different sources, especially those known for their credibility and fact-checking efforts. Multiple trustworthy outlets reporting the same information can significantly increase its reliability.
Many falsehoods during conflicts like the Israel-Gaza war stem from old visuals or misleading captions. To combat these deceptive posts, utilize reverse image search:
Download the suspicious image or take a screenshot of a noteworthy section of the video.
Use tools like Google Lens or TinEye to conduct a reverse image search and trace the original source.
This method is particularly effective in unveiling the truth behind images and videos with deceptive contexts.
Keep in mind that while generative artificial intelligence could potentially amplify disinformation, significant AI-generated images or videos related to the Israel-Gaza conflict have yet to emerge. However, it's essential to remain vigilant. Keep an eye out for watermarks, distorted features, unusual hand placements, or any other inconsistencies that might indicate manipulated content.
If you're deeply invested in staying informed about the Israel-Gaza conflict through social media, consider following curated lists of experts. These lists, created by seasoned journalists and media experts, feature reputable voices that provide valuable insights. For instance, David Clinch has compiled a comprehensive list that includes journalists from Al-Jazeera English to Haaretz.
Remember that you have the choice not to share anything about the conflict on social media. During times of heightened misinformation, being cautious about what you amplify can make a significant difference. Verify and critically evaluate information before sharing it, and be mindful of the potential consequences of spreading unverified claims.
