Combat Disinformation

I have been seeing posts about politicians who claim that the Afghan refugees that are coming to the US are unvetted and that many are possible terrorists. One way to combat propaganda is to recognize the techniques propagandists use: 1. Activate emotion 2. Respond to audience needs 3. Simplify information 4. Attack opponents.

One report:

Fox News Report

This Fox news story does all of these things and more:  (#1) Fear is stoked with a warning of a terrorist attack and words like “surrender,” “vulnerable,” and “abandon” generate paranoia and anger. (#2) It plays to peoples’ anti-immigration Nationalist beliefs. (#3) It simplifies info: the vetting is "haphazard"—what evidence is produced? (#4) Opponents are attacked—in this case, Biden, Muslims, and POC. There are some who want attacks rather than evidence so it responds to needs, as well.

 

This is an example of disinformation, which is purposefully designed to misinform.

A quick Google search will provide accurate details:

Reuters Report

 

Confirmation bias is one reason people won’t check for the facts but will accept claims like this without question. Everyone naturally gravitates to information that confirms what they already believe. The problem is that NOT seeking the truth is not only wrong, but it can cause great harm. For example, when Afghan refugees come to this country, there will be people who believe these claims, and they will try to hurt them and justify their actions by thinking they are taking out “suicide bombers.” A recent example of this is when politicians referred to Covid as the “China Virus” or “Wuhan Virus.” Attacks on Asians rose by 6 percent in 2020. Judgments and statements, especially by leaders, must be evidence-based.

Nothing good ever comes from a lie. I learned that from watching soap operas.

Another way to combat disinformation is to be aware of your bias. Try an implicit bias test:

Bias Tests