Stop Disinformation
We all encounter it: disinformation designed to raise our blood pressure. Some of it is just so wrong it’s hard not to engage. “OMG did you SEE this?” Other times it validates our own position “see, they ARE saying that!”
It may feel hopeless, but reducing its reach DOES matter, so here are some tactics for not amplifying disinformation.
How to do it:
- Most importantly, NEVER share the post. Clicking share gives the post more weight in the algorithm, brings it to more people, and if you add a comment and someone clicks share on your post, they don’t get your comment! Congratulations: you just spread disinformation.
- When should you comment? ONLY when you have the knowledge and time to write a well-reasoned, fact-based debunk of the post, and then only once. Do not argue in the comments — it only brings the disinformation to more people. Strongly consider ignoring the post.
- But it’s really bad. What can I do? If there is an option to “downvote” comments, skim through and do that. Look for an option to silence the group that posted, especially if you haven’t seen them before. REDUCE their reach.
- I really feel like I should correct this information! Consider writing a post with the truth, while ignoring or only briefly addressing the disinformation. Instead of framing your argument as “those people are so wrong” frame it as “let me help you make sense of something.”
- Nope, I really HAVE to address it directly! Take a screenshot of the disinformation and then use your editing tools to put a big red cross on it. Visually mark it as “nope!” Then create an entirely new post of your own addressing why it’s a big nope. Don’t skip the cross: visual information dominates over written information.
There are many additional tactics and tools. Here are several guides to grow your skills in effectively reducing the reach of propaganda and disinformation:
Don’t Amplify Disinformation, tips for an election season.
