Yesterday early in the morning, my wife showed me a news item on WhatsApp, and after reading half of it, I told her that it looked fake to me. She immediately said, “That’s what I wanted to get your opinion on. Have you noticed how much fake news is floating around on social media? It’s like you can’t trust anything you read online anymore. Why do you think this is happening?”
I know what she meant. It’s like people share information without even checking if it’s true. I responded that social media platforms make spreading misinformation like wildfire easier. We live in the age of digital information, instantaneous communication, and a two-way information exchange system—social media. Since social media platforms lack strict oversight, we consume the same information and believe it without taking a moment to question its validity and truthfulness.
It’s difficult to identify fake news, especially with the information overload and continuous dissemination of information through news articles, conspiracy theories, opinion blogs, pseudo-science, and clickbait content. Among all the mass communication channels, social media has been the least trusted news in the past few years. However, a study also revealed that over fifty percent of users use social media to stay current. Social media is also used to verify the accuracy and legitimacy of online news. In fact, around 11% of Americans use social media for health information, and over 40% rely on it for political news and broadening perspectives on current topics.
I wanted to understand the complex relationship between social media and misinformation, exploring its causes, consequences, and potential solutions. Below is a summary of my reading research and opinion that try to answer basic questions in everyone’s mind.
What causes misinformation on social media?
- Algorithmic bias: Social media platforms employ complex algorithms that analyze user behavior, preferences, and interactions to determine the content they see on their feeds. While the algorithm aims to provide personalized experiences, it can inadvertently contribute to the spread of misinformation. Algorithmic bias occurs when the algorithms favor content that aligns with a user’s beliefs and preferences. For example, suppose a user consistently engages with conspiracy theories or sensationalized news. In that case, the algorithm will likely show them more of the same. Therefore, it limits the user’s perspectives and reinforces existing beliefs and biases.
- Cognitive bias: Cognitive biases are rooted in how the brain processes information and deals with information overload. Due to limited attention, some low-quality ideas can go viral on social media, driven by emotional headlines rather than accurate content. People often share stories based on emotional connotations in headlines rather than assessing the source’s credibility. Personalization technologies may create a ‘filter bubble’ that isolates users from diverse perspectives, strengthening confirmation bias.
- Lack of fact-checking: Unlike traditional media outlets, social media platforms often lack rigorous editorial oversight and fact-checking process for user-generated content. This absence of a verification mechanism allows quick dissemination of false information. Misinformation can be in the form of misleading images, fabricated stories, or distorted quotes, making it difficult for users to distinguish between accurate and inaccurate content without a reliable source to consult.
- Bots and automated accounts: Fake news can be amplified using automated accounts or bots programmed to share, retweet, or comment on specific posts. These computerized accounts can create the illusion of widespread support for fake news stories.
What are the consequences of fake news?
Any misinformation or fake news erodes the trust in reliable sources and fuels skepticism about critical topics like science, politics, and public health. Also, it is a fact that the general public is more influenced by misinformation. In that case, the public is very likely to be trapped by the group, amplifying mass panic, triggering collective social crises, and even leading to various social tragedies. We witnessed this case during the onset of COVID-19. Content like home remedies, what to eat, fake advisories, and conspiracy theories were widely floated on social media, creating mass panic by spreading inaccurate information. Misinformation also intensifies social division by promoting extreme viewpoints and amplifying disagreements. In the last few years, we have seen that fake news and misinformation have a substantial real-world impact, affecting everything from elections to public health responses.
What is the solution? How to combat fake news on social media?
Combating fake news requires a multi-faceted approach, which includes:
- Educating users on critical thinking, media literacy and enhancing the user’s ability to identify and question misleading information.
- Incorporating fact-checking tools like Botometer, Google Fact Check Explorer, Hoaxy, and factcheck.org to identify false content.
- Enhancing algorithm transparency to counter echo chambers, diversify perspectives, and promote a healthier information environment.
- Subject-matter experts should evaluate content accuracy before it gains traction.
These strategies empower users, improve content credibility and foster a more informed and responsible digital ecosystem. The misinformation can also be curbed through responsible information sharing, engaging in various sources to gain a more balanced perspective, and constructive dialogue to counteract the spread of fake news by encouraging a more nuanced understanding of complex issues.
Despite the limitation of social media, it has revolutionized how people access information and connect globally. Social media serves as a gateway to innovative ideas. It benefits businesses and artists by promoting their creativity online.
In conclusion, I would say that we all live in an age where information is at our fingertips which also means that we need to be vigilant about what we consume and share. I am sure that more people would start demanding accurate and reliable information over time. Let’s hope we can all get better at navigating this tricky landscape. Let’s do our part and encourage our friends and family to think twice before clicking the “share” or “forward” button. It’s a small action, but it could make a big difference.
