From the flat earth theory to the COVID-19 vaccine hoax stories, misinformation is everywhere in the age of social media.
Oxford says misinformation is an act of giving wrong information about something.
It could be anything from seeing or hearing someone say something and misinterpreting it or forwarding false text you read on social media.
The World Health Organization has defined the act of misinformation as an infodemic.
In a world where the primary source of receiving any information and news is through the internet and social media, it is crucial to stay updated and avoid spreading misinformation.
Here are some of my tips as a journalist that you can practice to stay away from misinformation.
Educate yourself
The best way to avoid misinformation is to make a habit of cross-verification.
Whenever you read, hear or see anything on social media, always take a moment and verify the credibility of the information with other sources before sharing.
If you cannot find other credible sources to back the post you saw on your social media feed, there is a higher chance it might not be accurate.
Using credible sources
Before sharing any information on social media, ensure the shared information is verified and from a credible source.
The best practice to avoid misinformation is to reference and credit the source of that information when sharing.
Correcting errors
It sometimes happens when we accidentally post something that later turns out to be misinformation.
People often rely on the information you share, so correcting the error immediately upon discovery is essential as it will save people’s time and energy, further preventing misinformation.
If you share false information, immediately correct your mistake by informing everyone and making necessary edits or removing it.
Guiding others
It is always helpful to guide others with the correct information whenever possible. If you encounter something on social media that you find false, try to get involved in that conversation.
Inform them about the post they shared, as it might be shared by them accidentally. Try to steer the conversation towards information that is fact-based and verified.
Use credible sources to support your point whenever guiding them.
Misinformation spread is harmful and can cause a lot of damage to society. Practicing these tips will help an individual not only prevent themselves from misinformation but also to prevent it from spreading.
MALAV CONTRACTOR 