English Voice’s Post

Fact-checking compass: How to spot information manipulation The recent riots in the UK serve as a stark reminder of the dangerous potential of misinformation spread on social media. False information, often circulated with malicious intent, can quickly escalate into real-world violence, as we witnessed in this tragic incident. The initial catalyst for the riots was the tragic story of an attack at a dance class in Southport, near Liverpool, which resulted in the death of three girls. The false narrative around the assailant, amplified by social media algorithms, fuelled anger and resentment among certain groups. Misinformation created a toxic atmosphere that led to widespread unrest. Innocent people stayed cowering in hotels and places of worship while baying mobs went on the rampage. https://lnkd.in/ezeQfYGs The problem is that this is happening all over the globe. In Brazil earlier this year there were the tragic floods in Rio Grande de Sul. Considered to be the worst flooding event for over 80 years it led to over 180 fatalities and caused widespread destruction and disruption. Unfortunately, some unknown actors spread the false information that deaths were being concealed, that the civil defence forces weren’t conducting rescue missions in some parts and that essential donations were not being distributed. Some aid workers and firefighters were subject to abuse because of the malicious rumours. There were even reports that some falsehoods about the floods, before the event, led to some people staying in their homes instead of going to a place of safety. https://lnkd.in/eTwCx-wr Many countries had problems because of the rumour mongering during the Pandemic with people avoiding taking necessary precautions or accepting a life-saving vaccine due to the disinformation. So how can we evaluate information with the constant bombardment of false information out there? How can we combat the spread of misinformation and prevent future tragedies? How can individuals do their own “fact-checking”? The European Parliament has developed a “compass” to help us navigate and sift through the news and information in the mainstream and social media. This resource can help the individual make up their own mind objectively. Please see the video that follows (as well as the links below with the 8 steps ) very useful analytical tools. https://lnkd.in/eAw-kSkW https://lnkd.in/empK9Wec Vocabulary Cowering = To sit down or put your head down out of fear Baying mobs = screaming, violent crowd Rumour Mongering = The act of spreading rumours Bombardment = Assault, attack Sift through = To analyse in order to see what is useful Mainstream Media = Traditional large mass news media Make up your mind = To decide, determine NewVocabulary## FalseInformation## FactChecking##