How To Tell someone that you have seen misinformation.
We have all seen a post, meme, or article that seems to be false or misleading.Misinformation is deceptive, but it can also be harmful if it is spreading false ideas about science or medicine.There is something you can do to stop it.It is possible to stop the spread of misinformation by telling someone you have shared it.
Step 1: Whenever you see potential misinformation, take it very seriously.
Don't brush it off if you see a friend or family member sharing an article or meme with false or misleading claims.Science and health misinformation can cause harm.If you see someone sharing misinformation, try to address it with them.You can help stop the spread.You can help reduce harmful misinformation by making a difference.A widespread effect can be caused by the actions you take.If you can convince your friend that the meme is false, they may share it with other people.
Step 2: If you search online, you can see if the information is true.
You can see what results pop up if you type the info into the search bar.Look for articles that address the claims.You can confirm that the info is false by reading their analysis.If you can't find anything else about the info online, it's a sign that it could be false.
Step 3: Look up quotes or claims in the internet to see if they are true.
Graphics, images, and meme that share quotes or data are easy to share and can spread around social media like wildfire.Take a second to look up the claims when you see one.If the quote or info is attributed to a source, double-check that they actually said or reported it.quotes attributed to famous people can seem trustworthy and believable to people.It's a good idea to watch out for misleading meme.When the original source says that masks make it difficult to breathe for people with COPD, the meme has a quote from a medical expert.
Step 4: Do you know if other news sites are reporting the same information?
If other news outlets are also reporting the information, you can check if an article is legit.It is a sign that the claim could be false or misleading if only one source is making it.This is true for news about things like COVID-19.It's likely a false claim if only one website is reporting breaking news.Make sure the news source is the real source of the claim.The information can be found on their official website.
Step 5: There are medical or science claims on trusted outlets.
Look for science and medical claims on websites like WHO, UN Foundation, and other trusted sources.If health and science misinformation is accepted, it can cause real harm.Go to the experts to debunk the claims.Some information can change over time.It is a sign that the claim could be false if the outlet doesn't discuss it at all.
Step 6: Do not repeat misinformation so you don't reinforce it.
The more people hear a false claim, the more likely they are to believe it.The best way to look into a claim is to gather the real facts and ignore the false claims.It seems like you are open to the idea that false claims are true if you acknowledge them.If you plan to make a post or share a link debunking misinformation that you have seen, be clear and address only the facts.If you try to touch on every false claim, people may skim past it.
Step 7: If you can, speak to the person in private.
If you can speak with the person in private, you don't have to tell them that they're sharing misinformation in front of other people.It's a good idea to find a quiet place where you don't have to worry about other people hearing or being attacked.They could meet privately at a coffee shop or a park.Pull the person aside and ask if you can talk to them for a second.You can talk privately if you walk away from the group.
Step 8: It's a good idea to send a private message.
If you see someone sharing misinformation on social media, don't comment on their post or they will feel attacked.If you want to talk to them privately, send a private message.If they don't feel like you're trying to belittle them in front of people, they'll be more open to learning new information.You can be more open and honest with them if you start a conversation in private messages.
Step 9: If you are in front of people, be diplomatic.
If you are in front of other people or on a public online forum, be gentle and avoid confrontation when you tell someone that the claims or information they are sharing aren't true.They may feel angry or embarrassed if you are rude or aggressive.They may refuse to accept that they are wrong.If someone really digs in and starts getting upset, try talking or texting them in private so you can talk to them without other people around.
Step 10: Show your sympathy by acknowledging the person's fears.
People share misinformation because the claims made them feel upset, angry, or scared.It's understandable that they're worried, especially given the amount of misinformation going around, so start your conversation by admitting that their concerns are valid.You may have a better chance of convincing them that the info is false if you can humanize yourself and show them where they come from.
Step 11: Don't try to change someone's view of the world by focusing on the facts.
It is unlikely that fact-checking will change the way someone views the world.If you tell someone that you are sharing bad info, focus on the information itself, not their beliefs or politics.Fact-checking can decrease health misinformation, but may not change how people think or see the world.
Step 12: For your relationship with the person, use language that is appropriate.
To match your relationship with the person you are talking to, Tailor your conversation.You may want to be more respectful if you are talking to your grandmother.If you are talking to an old friend, you may want to use sarcastic language.They feel like they are coming from a good place if you are compassionate and empathetic.
Step 13: Don't lecture or insult someone when you talk to them.
People may refuse to listen to you if you insult them or lecture them about the misinformation they have shared.The goal is to convince them that the info is not true so they stop sharing it.They will be more open to listening to you if you are respectful and compassionate.They may get angry and stop listening if they are called names.
Step 14: There are expert sources that can help debunk medical or scientific myths.
The experts can help you make your case when it comes to science and medical misinformation.They can make an informed decision to stop sharing it if they send a link to an article that disproves the information they have shared.The UN Foundation and WHO are trusted sources.The more legitimate your sources, the more likely they are to be right.
Step 15: Try to find a source that the person is fond of.
To appeal to a specific person, use sources that they know and respect.They are more likely to accept misinformation if there are articles that debunk it.If your friend likes a certain news organization, you should look for articles debunking the misinformation they shared.
Step 16: Information from multiple sources can help convince them.
Don't send just 1 or 2 sources when you share information with someone.Multiple sources prove that the claims that their misinformation is making are not accurate.It is possible to make your case by sending over links to credible resources.Don't overload them with a lot of articles.They get a sense that multiple sources prove the information they shared isn't accurate if they stick to 3-4.