Mis and Disinformation
THE LEAGUE COMBATS MIS AND DISINFORMATION
The American people, and especially disenfranchised communities, are constanty bombarded with lies and misleading informaton about our election system, public policies, and government actions. These falsehoods fuel attacks on voting rights and sow distrust in our democratic processes. The League combats mis and disinformation by getting ahead of any falsehoods and publicizing trusted information that builds confidence about voting and in our elections. We can get ahead of bad messaging by innoculating with good information.
WHAT IS MIS & DISINFORMATION?
MISINFORMATION: Sharing false information without the intent of harm
DISINFORMATION: Creating and sharing false information with the intent to harm
HOW TO SPOT DISINFORMATION ONLINE
- Consider the source. Does the URL look strange? Check the 'About' page on the website.
- Check the date. Is the story old news? Sharing out of date information may not match current events.
- Cross check information. Are the reputable news sources reporting the same story?
- Read past the headline. What's the whole story? Sometimes a headline doesn't match the content.
- Question emotionally charged content. Disinformation intends to sow division by getting us angry or sad through images or memes.
DO'S & DON'TS OF DISINFORMATION ON SOCIAL MEDIA
- DON'T click or share. If you quote the bad information, you help spread it.
- DO share accurate information. Without mentioning the wrong info, set the record straight by sharing correct messages.
- DON'T engage publicly. If someone you know is sharing bad info, message them privately & ask them to take it down.
- DO report & block. Report inaccurate info to social media platforms, group administrators & election officials. Block users you don't know who share mis or disinformation.
WATCH and SHARE these 3 two-minute videos produced by the LWV of Macomb County:
How Modern Technology Affects the Spread of Disinformation
How to Recognize and Stop the Spread of Disinformation