Disinformation is a growing problem in today’s society, with false information and misleading claims. The impact of disinformation can be far-reaching, with the potential to exacerbate existing inequalities, undermine democratic processes, and harm individuals and communities.
To combat disinformation effectively, it is important to understand its causes and effects, as well as the strategies and solutions that can be used to mitigate its impact. In this article, I will explore the topic of disinformation and provide practical guidance for individuals and organizations looking to combat this problem.
What is Disinformation?
Disinformation is the deliberate spread of false or misleading information with the intent of deceiving others. It has been used for many different purposes throughout history, including political propaganda, corporate advertising, and social media manipulation.
The Impact of Disinformation
The impact of disinformation can be extensive and long-lasting, with the potential to heighten existing inequalities, undermine democratic processes, and harm individuals and communities. Disinformation can be particularly harmful in marginalized communities, which have historically been targeted by disinformation campaigns and may already face significant challenges related to health, education, media, and political representation.
When Disinformation Masquerades as Truth from Trusted Sources
It can be difficult to verify the accuracy of information, particularly when the source of the disinformation is often via the news itself. Despite what many people believe, disinformation is not just something created by other countries or bad actors. In fact, much of the disinformation that circulates in the United States comes from trusted sources such as news outlets and social media platforms, schools, pharmaceutical companies, and even government officials.
False information undermines trust and confidence in crucial establishments, especially when the misinformation originates from within those very institutions and leaders. This phenomenon further amplify the existing problems we encounter.
The Call is Coming from Inside the House.
When a stranger calls
News Outlets and Social Media Platforms
News outlets have been subject to lawsuits and fines for airing biased and misleading news segments, spreading false information, and enabling discriminatory advertising practices.
In 2018, the media company Sinclair Broadcast Group was fined $13.4 million by the Federal Communications Commission for airing news segments that were considered to be biased and misleading.
In 2021, the voting technology company Smartmatic filed a $2.7 billion lawsuit against Fox News, alleging that the network spread false information about the company’s involvement in the 2020 U.S. presidential election.
In 2021, Dominion Voting Systems filed a $1.3 billion lawsuit against Fox News, alleging that the network spread false information about the company’s involvement in the 2020 U.S. presidential election.
In 2020, Twitter and Facebook were sued by the families of victims of the 2016 Pulse nightclub shooting in Orlando, Florida. The families claimed that the social media platforms had provided material support to the shooter by allowing him to post extremist content and connect with other extremists on the platforms.
In 2018, Facebook was sued by civil rights groups for allowing advertisers to discriminate on the basis of race and ethnicity in violation of the Fair Housing Act. The case was settled in 2019, with Facebook agreeing to make changes to its ad targeting system.
Institutions
There have been many cases where schools have been taken to court for misrepresenting themselves or providing false information.
In 2018, Harvard University was sued by a group called Students for Fair Admissions, which claimed that the school discriminates against Asian-American applicants. The case is ongoing.
In 2016, the Supreme Court upheld the University of Texas at Austin’s use of affirmative action in admissions. The case was brought by a white student, Abigail Fisher, who claimed that the school discriminated against her because of her race.
In 2016, the ITT Technical Institute, a for-profit college chain, was sued by the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) for predatory lending practices. The CFPB alleged that the school misled students about the cost of its programs and the job prospects for its graduates.
In 2016, the for-profit education company, Trump University, settled three lawsuits for $25 million. The lawsuits claimed that the school made false claims about its curriculum and the qualifications of its instructors.
In 2016, DeVry University, a for-profit college chain, settled a lawsuit for $100 million. The lawsuit claimed that the school made false claims about the job prospects for its graduates.
In 2020, a group of students and advocacy organizations sued the University of California system, claiming that the school’s use of standardized tests in admissions discriminates against low-income and underrepresented minority students.
Health & Pharmaceutical Companies
These companies were charged with disinformation, misleading investors, medical professionals, and the public about the safety and effectiveness of their products. a small sample of the many cases of corporate misconduct that have occurred within the health and pharmaceutical industries.
In 2023, Johnson & Johnson was sued for selling talc-based baby powder that was found to contain asbestos, a known carcinogen. The company was found to have known about the presence of asbestos in its products for decades but failed to inform consumers.
In 2020, Purdue Pharma was found to have misled doctors and patients about the addictive properties of its painkiller, OxyContin. The company was fined $600 million for its role in the opioid epidemic that has devastated communities across the United States.
In 2018, Theranos, a healthcare technology company, was charged with fraud for misleading investors and medical professionals about the effectiveness of its blood testing technology. The company claimed that it could perform a range of medical tests using just a few drops of blood, but it was later revealed that the technology did not work as advertised.
Government Officials
It is unfortunate that government officials have often resorted to spreading disinformation in order to deceive the public and further their own agendas. This manipulative tactic is not a recent phenomenon and has been employed in different political contexts, leading to wide-ranging and consequential effects.
In 2016, former Congressman Steve Stockman was indicted by a grand jury on charges of fraud and conspiracy to commit fraud after allegedly using charitable donations for personal and campaign expenses. Stockman was found guilty in 2018 and sentenced to 10 years in prison.
In 2017, Michael Flynn, pleaded guilty to lying to the FBI about his contacts with the Russian government during the 2016 presidential campaign. Flynn was accused of providing false information to federal investigators about his communications with Russian officials and of failing to register as a foreign agent.
In 2018, Paul Manafort, was convicted of multiple charges related to financial fraud and lying to federal investigators. Manafort was found to have used false information to obtain loans and evade taxes, among other things.
Companies
Disinformation has been used by businesses to deceive the public, often resulting in significant consequences and profits. This practice is not a new one, and throughout history, many companies have been accused of misleading the public in order to achieve their goals. It is a tactic that has been used in various industries. The use of disinformation has had a lasting impact on society, and it is important to be aware of its effects.
In 1998, tobacco companies were sued by the U.S. government for misleading the public about the health risks associated with smoking. The companies were found guilty of conspiracy and fraud and were required to pay a settlement of $206 billion.
In 2015, Volkswagen was found to have installed software in its diesel cars that allowed them to cheat emissions tests. The company was fined $4.3 billion and agreed to spend $14.7 billion to settle claims related to the scandal.
Fossil fuel companies have been accused of promoting disinformation about climate change.
Strategies for Combatting Disinformation
Education and Awareness
One of the most effective ways to combat the impact of disinformation is through education and awareness initiatives. This can involve providing people with accurate information about the topic in question and helping them to develop critical thinking skills that will enable them to evaluate information more effectively.
Media literacy programs can be an effective way to educate people about how to spot and avoid disinformation. Supporting these initiatives through donations or advocacy can help to expand their reach and impact.
Fact-Checking and Verification
Fact-checking and verification can also be effective in mitigating the impact of disinformation. By providing people with accurate information and verifying the accuracy of claims, we can help to counter the spread of false information and limit its impact.
Fact-checking can be a time-consuming process. It is important to note that many fact-checking platforms may have biases when evaluating information. For example, some fact-checking organizations have been criticized for being too closely aligned with the pharmaceutical industry, which can create conflicts of interest when evaluating information related to pharmaceuticals. It is vital to approach all sources of information with a critical eye and to seek out multiple sources when evaluating claims, as relying on just a few fact-checking platforms with similar biases may not provide a diverse range of information. It’s paramount to consider sources from different perspectives and backgrounds to ensure a comprehensive understanding of the issue at hand.
By developing strong critical thinking skills and staying informed about the issues, individuals can help to combat disinformation and promote accuracy and honesty in public discourse.
Cognitive Reframing
Cognitive reframing is a powerful technique that involves changing the way that a person thinks about a particular topic or issue. This can involve providing accurate information, challenging false beliefs and assumptions, and highlighting the potential consequences of disinformation. By helping people to reframe their beliefs and attitudes, we can reduce the impact of disinformation and promote more accurate and informed decision-making.
When I volunteered for the Ulster Project in Atlanta, I witnessed firsthand the power of cognitive reframing in action. The Ulster Project is a program that brings together Protestant and Catholic teenagers from Northern Ireland to live with host families in the United States for a month during the summer. The goal of the program is to promote understanding and reconciliation between the two communities, which have historically been deeply divided.
Through a series of structured activities and discussions, the teenagers are encouraged to challenge their assumptions and beliefs about each other and about their own communities. They are exposed to new perspectives and experiences, which often lead to cognitive reframing and a more nuanced understanding of the complex issues at play. A significant portion of the impactful work occurred during moments when the counselors were not actively involved. In these instances, Protestant and Catholic teens found themselves defending their beliefs in front of their American peers, which often led to eye-opening conversations where they confronted and dismantled unfounded stereotypes they had been harboring.
Solutions for Combating Disinformation
Supporting Media Literacy Initiatives
Media literacy programs can be an effective way to educate people about how to spot and avoid disinformation. Supporting these initiatives through donations or advocacy can help to expand their reach and impact.
Promoting Transparency and Accountability
By promoting transparency and accountability in media, health, education, institutions, industry, and government we can help to limit the spread of disinformation and promote more accurate and informed decision-making.
Transparency and accountability can involve a range of strategies, including open data policies, whistleblower protections, and independent oversight bodies. By promoting transparency and accountability, we can help to build trust in important institutions and leaders and reduce the impact of disinformation.
Encouraging Critical Thinking
By encouraging critical thinking and skepticism, we can help to reduce the impact of disinformation and promote more accurate and informed decision-making. Critical thinking involves questioning assumptions, evaluating evidence, and considering alternative viewpoints. By encouraging critical thinking, we can help people to evaluate information more effectively and make more informed decisions.
Supporting Research
Supporting research into the impact of disinformation and the most effective ways to combat it can help to develop more effective strategies for addressing the problem.
Research can help to identify the most effective strategies for combating disinformation, as well as the most vulnerable populations and topics. By supporting research, we can develop more effective strategies for addressing the problem and promoting accuracy and honesty in public discourse.
Addressing disinformation is a challenging issue that demands a collective effort. This multifaceted problem necessitates coordination and collaboration among these entities to effectively combat its impact. Individuals need to sharpen their critical thinking skills. By doing so, they can actively contribute to fighting against the spread of disinformation and play a part in promoting accuracy, honesty, and integrity in public discussions.
By working together, we have the power to create stronger strategies that can effectively identify and combat disinformation.