Post #6

 Post #6

EOTO #2 Misinformation

    

    For my EOTO response, I decided to discuss disinformation because it pairs well with another topic, I am interested in echo chambers and has a tendency to overlap in fascinating ways. Disinformation is the intentional distribution of false information to achieve a specific agenda, which sets it apart from misinformation, where false information is shared without awareness.

     One of the things that I was surprised to learn is that disinformation has the effect of creating a sense of unity among groups that share the same beliefs. It can reinforce their worldview, justify them, and even give seemingly straightforward answers to convoluted or confusing issues.

    In contrast, the harmful effects of disinformation are much more serious. Disinformation destroys public trust in reliable sources, deepens social polarization, and manipulates feelings in duplicitous manners typically inflaming frustration, resentment, and fear. At times, the harm is notemotional but literally fatal, as when a person foregoes proper medical treatment on account of conspiracy-driven anti-vaccination propaganda.

    I also discovered it is proactive and reflective to combat disinformation. Itis extremely important to investigate where you are learning something, be careful of your assumptions, look up the date of the information, and, when unsure, ask someone who is an expert like a professor or subject matter expert. And yes, it is important to double-check that you are not being too literal with satire. People have actually been confused and received actual articles from satire websites like The Onion for real news.

    As with echo chambers, confirmation bias is what fuels disinformation. When information confirms what one already holds to be true, they're less apt to disbelieve it and more apt to discredit anything that does the opposite. That's why being aware of your own biases is most important in dealing with both of these problems.

    Lastly, whereas echo chambers are bad, they do not have to be out of malicious intention. Disinformation, however, usually relies on intentional intent to mislead. In this case, despite the difference, both can be bridged by getting your facts right fact-checking, diversity of sources, and frequently checking yourself, especially in cases involving divisive issues.