Of Facts & Fakes

How to Protect Yourself Against False Information

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Everybody has an opinion. But in today’s digital age, opinions and beliefs are increasingly being masqueraded as facts. And there are people who are deliberately (as well as many more who are unknowingly) spreading such false information. It also does not help that there is an overwhelming amount of information to process every day. While the internet has made access to information much easier than ever before, it has also paved the way for the spread of misinformation and fake news like wildfire.

Therefore, it is now more important than ever to equip ourselves with the tools and knowledge to distinguish fact from fiction. Let us now further explore the dangers of misinformation and disinformation; the factors contributing to their spread; and practical strategies to protect ourselves against them.

MISINFORMATION AND DISINFORMATION

Misinformation refers to false or inaccurate information that is spread unintentionally or deliberately to manipulate people’s perceptions of reality. It can take many forms, including rumours, conspiracy theories, propaganda and deceptive advertising. On the other hand, disinformation is deliberately misleading or biased information, manipulated narratives or facts, and propaganda. It can take the form of authentic material deliberately used in the wrong context, imposter news sites designed to look like brands we already know, fake news sites, fake information, and manipulated content. The difference is in the intent, but both can be used as tools to influence public opinion and political outcomes, and cause harm to individuals and communities.