Don’t believe everything you read. A new study conducted by Ofcom, the communications regulator in the UK, shows ”Only one in five adults can correctly identify misinformation – and 6% believe everything they read online”.
Learning to spot fake news is a necessity.
No longer is fake news just an altered video designed to go viral, or a photoshopped image claiming to be real. Fake news has become a way to create a new reality. It can manipulate thousands and create a reality of “whatever they want it to be.”.
When fake news was more easily identifiable, this was much less of an issue. However, as the Ofcom studies show, most people now greatly overestimate their ability to spot the false content.
Ofcom’s tips for spotting misinformation:
In the past few years, fake news has grown more problematic with the Covid-19 pandemic and the Russian invasion of Ukraine. People want to voice opinions. Voicing opinions alone isn’t a negative thing. The issue comes when these opinions are based on falsified sources. This leads to more hostile debates, and worst of all, the correct information can be lost.
A recent example: “Social media posts have falsely linked a recent spike in unexplained hepatitis in children to the Covid vaccine,” according to Rachel Schraer of the BBC. This is untrue. According to the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), ”There is no link to the coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccine. None of the currently confirmed cases in under 10 year olds in the UK is known to have been vaccinated.” However, that hasn’t stopped the posts from coming.
“Actions taken after encountering false or misleading information about the coronavirus in the last week in the United Kingdom (UK) in September 2020 and September 2021.” Source: Statista.
Back in 2021, during the height of the pandemic, posts on social media were circulating that claimed the Covid vaccine contained meat products. This sort of fake news can have an immense impact on society. “Dr Harpreet Sood, who is leading an NHS anti-disinformation drive, said it was “a big concern” and officials were working “to correct so much fake news”.” These specific claims have had a major impact on communities around the UK. Many South Asians in the UK have rejected the vaccine altogether for religious reasons.
Rumors, like false claims that the Covid vaccine could alter your DNA, may be a reason the pandemic continues. These examples show the danger the UK (and other countries) face in this new media based world. Since it is increasingly difficult to avoid fake news, be sure to fact check the things you read online.
