It could be an echo chamber.
The Power of Unity
Equip yourself to foster unity
The increasing polarization and growing divides among political groups and coalitions contribute to considerable economic uncertainty, thereby creating fertile ground for misinformation to thrive and divide communities. Explore curated tools, learning resources, and external campaigns to enhance your confidence and enable you to advocate for unity while standing against misinformation.
What is your media consumption style?
Overcoming misinformation starts with recognizing your own biases. Many people unintentionally share false information because they believe it to be true, fueling its spread. Test your preferences for media consumption and receive tailored tips to combat unverified and fake news effectively.
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Identify bias: Are you in an echo chamber?
It’s easy to end up in an echo chamber, where you mainly hear opinions that mirror your own. This contributes to the spread of misinformation and deepens divides. Actively seeking out diverse viewpoints and reflecting on your media consumption will help you break free from the echo chamber and engage more meaningfully with those around you.
Awareness is crucial! So, how can you tell if a social group or media source is an echo chamber?
Let the following steps guide you:
1. Recognize echo chambers
Does the group share only one unique point of view?
Great! Keep exposing yourself to diverse ideas and perspectives.
2. Evaluate
information
Is the point of view primarily based on rumors?
Be cautious and verify information using trustworthy sources.
Engage with the information, maintaining a critical mindset.
3. Seek out
diversity
Are you exploring perpectives that challenge your beliefs?
Excellent! Engaging with diverse views promotes understanding and helps bridge divides.
Actively seek out different viewpoints; it will broaden your knowledge and help combat polarization.
In a polarized discourse, the majority feels like the minority because they do not see themselves represented in the conversation. A loud minority can silence the quiet majority. For example, in social media, mainstream clusters are larger than extremist clusters, but extremists and populists are more active.
Best practices: Debunking and correcting misinformation
Addressing misinformation is a critical challenge, but effective strategies can mitigate its impact. Drawing on research from sources like SpringerLink and Nature Reviews Psychology, here are some best practices for debunking misinformation, using vaccine misinformation as an example.
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Lead with the facts
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Provide an alternative explanation
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Highlight social norms
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Keep language simple
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Use empathetic communication
Lead with the facts
Start by consulting credible resources to establish the truth. Avoid repeating misinformation to keep the focus on the facts. Repetition of relevant core facts can be a powerful tool in debunking misinformation and reinforcing the truth.
Example of misinformation: “Vaccines are dangerous and cause serious health problems.”
Correction: “Vaccines are safe and effective in preventing serious diseases. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the World Health Organization (WHO) provide reliable information about vaccine safety and effectiveness based on scientific studies.”
Don’t repeat false claims! Example: “Some people say vaccines are dangerous.”
Provide an alternative explanation
Use clear explanations to correct misinformation. Whenever possible, offer factual information, support it with evidence, and clarify why the misinformation is incorrect.
Example: ”While some people may have mild side effects from certain vaccines, serious health problems after getting a vaccine are extremely rare. Vaccines work by training the immune system to recognize and fight diseases without causing the illness."
Highlight social norms
Emphasize expert consensus and majority opinions to reinforce your message. This not only makes corrections more persuasive but also helps people to store the correct information to memory and retrieve it in future.
Example*:
Use moral appeal: "Getting vaccinated protects the vulnerable and is the right thing to do."
Cite descriptive norms: "Over 90% of parents are vaccinating their children.'"
Reference expert consensus: "Doctors and medical societies around the world agree that vaccinations are important and safe."
*Source: Nature Review Psychology
Keep language simple
The language used in correcting misinformation is important. Use easy-to-understand language and graphics for better comprehension. A light-hearted approach can also make your message more memorable and shareable.
Do: Simple correction: "Vaccines help prevent serious diseases, and serious problems are very rare."
Don’t: Overcomplicate your correction: "Vaccines are interventions that significantly mitigate morbidity."
Empathetic communications
Approach others with understanding, not confrontation. When addressing misconceptions, consider how the person may have formed their beliefs and whatunderlying concerns they might have. Focus on delivering fact-based, respectful corrections.
Do communicate with empathy. Example:“I understand why you might feel that way. Let’s look at the evidence together.’’
Don’t communicate aggressively. Example: “That’s completely wrong, and you should know better!’’
Selected Educational materials from around the world
Explore a curated collection of global resources to help you combat misinformation. Each campaign is a step toward building your skills and strengthening your journey toward unity.
AI or Real? Quizzes by the BBC
Hone your ability to discover the Other Side of the Story and question what you see online.
Fake News: The Game by University of Cambridge
Think you can beat misinformation? Test your skills with this comprehensive test of misinformation susceptibility.
Free online courses by the UN
Explore content on the Verified campaign aimed at delivering fact-based information and advice to fight misinformation online.
#BeElectionSmart by EDMO
Navigate the election landscape and learn to recognize false or manipulative content.
Be Internet Awesome – Google’s digital safety program
The Be Internet Awesome program empowers kids to explore the online world safely
Tips to fight disinformation from the European Commission
Find practical tips and resources to help you recognize and avoid spreading false information.
Verification tools
Check the credibility of information and ensure that corrections come from trusted, authoritative sources. Use these convenient digital tools to verify the authenticity and accuracy of text, images, videos, sources, and audio you encounter online.
Google Fact-Check tool
Easily search for fact-checks on specific topics or individuals. For example, you can look up a politician’s statement or any subject of interest.
How To Verify
On the How To Verify website by the Deutsche Welle, start with the type of digital media you want to verify, then follow the workflow to find the right tools.
Reporting misinformation
If you see content online that you believe to be false or misleading, you can report it to the hosting social media platform. Find the full list in this guide from the World Health Organization.
Power of Unity podcast playlist
Explore the playlist on Spotify featuring thought provoking episodes that will help you to embrace new perspectives, bridge divides, and combat misinformation.
Do you have any questions or need additional support?