Everything journalists and influencers should know to combat disinformation
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The fight against disinformation on social media and in other areas has become a crucial challenge for journalists and influencers in recent years. The proliferation of hoaxes and fake news on Instagram and on platforms such as X (formerly Twitter) and Tiktok has created an urgent need to verify information and fact-check news.
In this article, we explore various key tools and methods to guarantee high ethical standards and ensure that the information published is reliable, verified and accurate.
Why it is important to combat disinformation
Disseminating false information has a negative impact on both communication professionals and society as a whole. Below, we show you some of the most worrying consequences that we are already experiencing today.
- The erosion of credibility. Journalists and media outlets that share misleading information quickly lose the trust of their audience. And finally, many citizens may end up losing trust in the entire news system as well.
- Social polarization and education. Disinformation or the use of biased information for certain purposes on social networks can exacerbate divisions and conflicts in society. I’m sure you can think of some examples of hoaxes of this kind.
- A threat to democracy. The spread of hoaxes and lies can influence electoral processes and weaken democratic institutions. It is well established that certain actors use election periods and social networks to change the climate of opinion in specific sectors of society.
- Dangers to public health. The misinformation caused by fake news on medical issues can have negative effects on people’s health. The COVID-19 pandemic was a clear example of how fake news can aggravate a health crisis.
Identifying disinformation
But to effectively combat disinformation, it is crucial to know how to recognize it. It can come to us in different formats, although its consequences are always the same.
- Fake news. Fabricated information that imitates media content but whose content usually combines traces of truth with completely false data.
- Propaganda. Biased information that attempts to promote a particular agenda for very specific purposes.
- Rumours. This refers to the rapid spread of false or unverified information that is then difficult for society to correct.
- Manipulated content. Altered images or videos that always seek to deceive their recipients.
Verification tools and techniques
The fight against disinformation requires a comprehensive approach that combines advanced technology with more traditional journalistic techniques. Below, we discuss some of the most effective methods for verifying information and contrasting news, and we explore a very interesting tool for detecting manipulated content.
Essential verification techniques
Cross-checking with primary and secondary sources. The basis of all journalistic verification is direct consultation with sources. This involves accessing original documents and interviewing direct witnesses and experts in the field. For example, when reporting on a new scientific discovery, it is crucial to consult the original study and contact the researchers involved, as well as other experts in the field, to obtain a balanced perspective.
Use of specialized databases. Fact-checking platforms and specialized databases are extremely valuable resources. Sites such as Politifact, Snopes and Newtral offer detailed verifications of political and viral claims. Government and academic databases, meanwhile, provide reliable information for checking statistics or historical data.
Analysis of metadata. Examining metadata is crucial for verifying the authenticity of images and videos. Tools such as ExifTool or Metashield Clean-up allow you to view information about the date, time and location of the capture, as well as details about the device used. This information can reveal inconsistencies that indicate content manipulation.
Consult experts. In complex matters, expert opinion is essential. Establishing a network of contacts with academics, researchers and professionals in various fields allows for accurate and contextualized interpretations. For example, in public health matters, consulting epidemiologists and medical professionals can help debunk current hoaxes about treatments or diseases.
Cross-checking. It is essential to compare information with multiple independent sources. This involves seeking confirmation from different reliable media outlets, official documents and direct testimonies. Cross-checking helps to identify inconsistencies and confirm the veracity of the information.
More advanced technological tools
Technology also plays a crucial role in detecting manipulated content. Tools such as VerifAI specialise in the analysis of images, videos and audio to identify digital alterations using artificial intelligence and use different analysis engines to detect things such as:
- Manipulations in images through artificial intelligence.
- Deepfakes in videos, analysing inconsistencies in facial and body movement.
- Synthetic audio, examining voice patterns and anomalous acoustic characteristics.
These tools provide journalists with an additional layer of security when verifying multimedia content, especially in an era where the creation of visual and auditory fake news has become increasingly sophisticated.
The role of the journalist in the fight against disinformation
As a communications professional, you have a crucial responsibility in the fight against disinformation. Everything you publish has the potential to influence people, so there are a few things you should consider before you publish:
- Verify rigorously before publishing.
- Be transparent about your sources and methods.
- Collaborate with other journalists and fact-checking organisations.
- Foster media literacy in your audience.
Tips for surviving in the age of disinformation
And if you’ll allow us, we’d also like to give you some advice on how to avoid falling into the trap of disinformation. This time, put yourself in the shoes of the information consumer:
- Develop critical thinking when consuming news.
- Verify the original source of the information.
- Be wary of sensationalist headlines or clickbait.
- Use news verification tools.
- Educate your audience about the importance of verified information.
Remember: sharing information accurately and ethically not only reinforces your professional reputation, but also contributes to a more informed society that is less vulnerable to disinformation.
Soy redactor publicitario y llevo más de 15 años creando contenidos sobre creatividad y tecnología. Muy fan de las redes sociales, la inteligencia artificial y el cine indie.
