Although the parties, time, and place change, conflicts continue to occur. So what are the types of dubious information you might encounter during times of conflict, and how can we ensure that we are not consuming false information? Moments of crisis like conflicts further accelerate the spread of dubious information. Is it possible to sort out which posts we should approach with suspicion by examining the types, channels, interactions, and actors of disinformation spread online during conflicts?
1) Old or fake footage of the operation claimed to be from the conflict zone spreads very quickly
When news of the conflict first breaks, the first post that should fire your suspicion muscle is the video or photos purporting to be from the scene. Dozens of images wrongly attributed to past conflicts can be our guide as we combat the images we encounter in the current Ukrainian-Russian conflict. The anxiety, sadness, fear, and urgency we feel in moments of crisis can make it easier for us to like and share the content we encounter. It’s important to make sure the images we encounter are accurate before we start sharing and distributing them in good faith.
2) Old images of death, injury, or destruction that are purported to be from the scene of the crime are likely to stir your emotions.
Another example of false attribution that should also be evaluated is images of death, injury, or destruction that can be emotionally challenging and arousing to users. In moments that can have devastating consequences, such as conflict, the motivation behind the display of destruction and loss is in fact human. However, we must ensure the accuracy of any images shared and include a warning about the violence they contain.
3) Suspicious charity campaigns may arise that harass our support
Before distributing these and similar calls for donations, it is useful to ensure the credibility of the institutions behind them.
4) Interesting fabricated historical information about the parties or the event may be spread
Moments of crisis create a suitable basis for increased interaction of “interesting” information that you would easily miss if you were to encounter it on an ordinary day. It is the right time to share unfounded stories about the lives of leaders who are parties to the conflict or invented statements by famous names about conflicts and wars. Such seemingly harmless posts can become a tool for distorting the truth and deepening polarization.
5) Partisan statements from other countries or celebrities may be unfounded
The need for parties to know they are not alone and to feel stronger can quickly spread false calls for support from well-known figures or other countries that are not parties to the conflict.
6) Statements about the conflict can be distorted
As we consider the explanations we need to understand the uncertainty created by conflict, it is necessary to make sure that we listen to experts and authorities in the field, and to ensure that the words of these names are not distorted. The urgency of the conflict or the interaction driven by the crisis can make the statements of officials resonate differently from what is actually being said.
7) News about deaths related to the crisis may be unfounded
Even on a day when everything is going normally, the spread of fake news of deaths, which have a high interaction rate, can increase rapidly with the wind of conflicts.
Full article at teyit.org