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We live in a golden age of misinformation, but what is being done to counter it? And what should you do when faced with conspiracy theories?
We live in a golden age of misinformation, but what is being done to counter it? And what should you do when faced with conspiracy theories?
The reported Increase in the number of people who believe that the Earth is flat. It may sound funny, but the rise of conspiracy theories is no laughing matter. For evidence, look no further than the recent deadly riots in Washington, led by people who believed that the 2020 U.S. elections were fraudulent, even though there is no evidence to support such claims.
Likewise, the rise in misinformation about the coronavirus and the vaccines developed to combat it could have deadly consequences.
But countering conspiracy theories is not an easy task, especially since Fake news has been found to spread online faster than fact.. Here are a few ways society is trying to address disinformation, including some advice in case you encounter a conspiracy theorist.
Academics are trying to understand the psychology behind the problem: why do people believe in conspiracy theories? Common factors range from existential fear and loneliness to simply a lack of understanding. The challenge cuts across class, gender, and age, and it’s just as likely to be on the left as it is on the right. In part, it’s a human desire to make sense of life: we assign meaning – ‘good’ and ‘bad’ – when it is rarely that simple.
Image: Obi Onyeador
Finland leads the way in teaching critical thinking as a way to tackle misinformation. Spurred on by seeing the damage done by fake news in neighboring Russia, the Finnish government introduced the topic to secondary schools in 2014. Students are asked to gather information on a topic before evaluating the source and content. Is working? It’s too early to say for sure, but the signs are encouraging.
Image: Nick Shandra
The dominance of social media means increasingly polarized conversations and much more misinformation. As one expert put it: “Repetition becomes a substitute for validation.” Facebook algorithms, for example, have been shown to favor negativity and outrage. Big tech is starting to kick in, but many say it’s ineffective nozzle service. Should governments start introducing financial sanctions, even criminal ones, for failure to act that causes harm?
Image: Dole777
The Center for the Fight Against Digital Hate is an international non-profit NGO that addresses hate and disinformation online. Funded by philanthropic trusts and members of the public, programs include a guide to tackling trolls and Don’t Spread the Virus, an evidence-based approach to countering Covid misinformation. His work on health denial and climate change has proven particularly effective.
Image: Adam Birkett
Conspiracy theories are, by their very nature, irrefutable, recalls Jovan Byford, senior lecturer in psychology at The Open University. That said, it recommends Six rules when trying to change the mind of a conspiracy theorist– Tailor your answer by clarifying exactly what they believe; recognize the emotional appeal of the theory; establish common ground; be patient; calmly challenge the facts; And finally, be realistic and be prepared to fail.
Image: Adam Freeman
Lead Image: Mika Baumeister
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