Media Literacy: How to Address Misinformation on Social Media • L I B R A R Y

Why should we call out misinformation?

Social media has become a powerful tool for the dissemination of disinformation, propaganda, and conspiracy theories related to current events. This causes division, confusion, and contention among friends, family members, and neighbors. It impedes our ability to make well-informed judgments as citizens. MWEG is working hard to educate people about how to identify quality news sources; however, a more challenging aspect of media literacy is learning how to address and respond to friends and family members who share misinformation. This is an emotionally fraught and taxing issue, and there are no easy answers.

How should we do it?

According to the MWEG Principles of Peacemaking, we are proactive, we seek to unify, and we have great tolerance for people but none for injustice. False information perpetuates injustice and division, and allowing such information to spread can cause people to become distrustful of any information and sink into cynicism and apathy. People act based on the information they receive, and actions based on false information can have serious negative consequences. In addressing misinformation, we want to be firm but also respectful and compassionate, creating a learning opportunity for everyone.

Here are some suggestions gathered from multiple sources (see full source list at the end of this post) to help you address misinformation on social media:

Give people the benefit of the doubt. Some people just want to know what others think of the article, video, or meme they are sharing. They may not know the post is false or misleading and may be open to hearing others’ opinions about it. They are trying to make sense out of all the uncertainty, just like everyone else. If you comment on a person’s post, try to start from a generous place.
Avoid name calling and insults. People will not hear your honest concerns if you call them “crazy” or “ignorant.”
Begin by identifying common ground. “We are all seeking for the truth.” “We both care about the state of our country.” “We are all trying to make sense out of this.” “I’m worried about this topic, too.”
Ask sincere questions. What do they find compelling about what they posted? Do they know who made the post personally? Is the purported expert really an expert in the field they are discussing? Did a person or organization pay for the content creation? This can help you understand where they are coming from and guide the rest of the discussion.
Don’t repeat the false information. This may only reinforce it. Focus on true information instead.
Don’t feel the need to get into a lengthy debate. It is OK to give some information and quality sources, offer your point of view, and leave it at that. Usually, the simpler, the better.
Be willing to revise your own point of view and remain intellectually humble.
Unfriend or unfollow if you really need to, but remember that social media can become an echo chamber, and people need alternate points of view.
Remain hopeful. We can find truth and use it to inform our choices. We can get through this together.

You may be asking, “Can I just do nothing?” Of course that’s an option. Most of us don’t like drama and confrontation. But it is important to call out misinformation, because it affects behavior. The factual information we present can make a difference, even if it doesn’t seem like it right away. At the same time, we must be aware of our own emotional and mental needs and take breaks accordingly.