Together Against Misinformation 2024

Imagine scrolling through social media and seeing a post that claims a popular product is unsafe. It seems credible—there are pictures, links to articles, and lots of people commenting in fear. Without thinking twice, you share it with your friends and family to warn them. 

A few days later, the company debunks the claim, proving it was false. But by then, the damage is done. People have stopped buying the product, businesses are losing money, and even jobs are at risk. Meanwhile, your shared post keeps spreading, causing more confusion and fear. 

You can only see how much worse this situation could get if you weren’t imagining it. 

Misinformation refers to false or inaccurate information that is spread, regardless of any intent to deceive. It can include rumours, misleading news, or incorrect facts shared without verifying their truth, often causing confusion or harm. Unlike disinformation, which is deliberately deceptive, misinformation is typically spread by people who believe it to be true. 

The good news is that there are many ways you can identify misinformation. Join us in our Together Against Misinformation event from November 12th till the 17th by learning and sharing knowledge on how to combat misinformation.  

6 Tips for Combatting Misinformation 

We’ve compiled a few key tips for you on how to identify misinformation.

1. Verify sources 🤔

Not all websites or social media accounts are trustworthy. Make sure the information comes from reputable organizations, news agencies, or experts. When in doubt, search for information from academic institutions, government websites, or widely recognized media outlets like BBC, Reuters, or The New York Times. Pay attention to the site’s “About Us” section or reviews to evaluate its credibility. 

Check ICTC’s post How to Teach Digital Media Literacy and Equip Canadians to Navigate Mis- and Disinformation on how to verify sources.

2. Cross-check facts ✅

One of the most reliable ways to verify a claim is to see if other well-established sources are reporting the same thing. If a story only appears on obscure websites or social media posts, it might not be credible. Search for keywords from the claim on different platforms, and look for consistency in reporting from trusted news outlets. If the information isn’t widely shared by credible sources, be cautious. 

3. Check dates 📆

Misinformation often spreads through recycled, outdated news that is presented as new. Make sure you check the date of publication, as old information might no longer be accurate or relevant. A story from years ago could be shared out of context, leading to confusion.

4. Identify biases ⚖️

Every source has some level of bias, but it’s important to recognize when information is being spun to push an agenda. Be especially cautious with sources that consistently present one-sided perspectives without acknowledging opposing viewpoints. Political, commercial, or ideological biases can skew the facts. To counter this, try to read multiple perspectives and identify whether a source is providing balanced coverage. 

Check our Human Biases: Their Role in Misinformation and Social Media post and infographic to learn how human biases affect our social media usage. 

5. Use fact-checking tools 🔦

Fact-checking platforms specialize in debunking myths, false claims, and rumours. These platforms regularly investigate viral posts and news stories to determine their accuracy. Bookmark these resources and use them to check suspicious claims. 

Check our International Fact-Checking Day 2024 post to learn more about the importance of checking facts. Enroll in the Cybersafety Academy to learn more about digital literacy and how to combat misinformation, as well as develop essential skills to spot misinformation.

6. Pause before sharing 🛑

One of the key ways misinformation spreads is through emotional reactions. Posts that evoke strong feelings of outrage, fear, or joy often go viral before being verified. Take a moment to research the claim before reacting or sharing. This simple pause can stop the cycle of misinformation. 

A method that wraps all of these tips together is the C.R.I.S.P. scan. C.R.I.S.P. stands for ‘Consider the source’, ‘Read beyond the page’, ‘Investigate the clues’, ‘Scan for bias’, and ‘Proceed with caution’. This method provides an easy-to-remember way to help consumers to combat disinformation and stay vigilant.

Now that you know how to combat misinformation, use this Together Against Misinformation week to share on what you’ve learned to help others stay well-informed and increase their awareness. Encourage others to take part in the event and contribute to sharing these tips! 

Check Our Resources For More Information

• Your Ultimate Cybersafety Library – Essential Resources | Your Ultimate Cybersafety Library (knowledgeflow.org)
• Cybersafety Academy | KnowledgeFlow Cybersafety Foundation
  • Cybersafety Academy Course: Charting your Course – A Map from Cybersafety to Cybersecurity