How to handle Disinformation

 https://civicnebraska.org/20-ways-to-fight-disinformation/

 

1. educate yourself

2. verify

3. cross-check sources

4. think critically

5. check dates

6. champion media literacy

7. report disinformation

8. pause before sharing

9. know who you can trust

10. push back constructively

11. support fact-checking organizations

12.  promote digital literacy

13. check your biases

14. use technology

15. promote transparency

16. be accountable

17. practice what you preach

* * * * *

From this list, I think #9 is the most important.  The key is knowing how to filter out information sources and find who is reliable, consistent, and has integrity.

This is getting more important as social media struggles with how to handle disinformation.  The struggle seems to be the balance between freedom of speech and the harm that can result from disinformation.  Since we are social animals and the world is not just black and white, it is obvious that discussion, argumentation, and disagreement will happen.  But what tools should be allowed at the table?