Why it’s so easy to fall for fake news and how to spot it

Summary

The video script addresses the persistent issue of fake news in Canada, debunking a 2004 myth about refugees receiving more money than retirees. It discusses the difference between misinformation and disinformation, the impact of social media on spreading false news, and the psychological reasons behind sharing unverified information. Experts suggest being skeptical, fact-checking, and understanding the role of social media platforms in amplifying divisive content. The script calls for collective efforts from news organizations, journalists, and social media platforms to combat disinformation.

Takeaways

• 🇨🇦 A 2004 letter to the editor in The Toronto Star falsely claimed refugees in Canada receive more money than retired citizens, which is debunked as retired Canadians are eligible for about double what a refugee gets.
• 📢 The Star and the Canadian government have both debunked the myth, yet it still circulates online, highlighting the persistence of fake news.
• 👮‍♂️ Jagmeet Singh is wrongly claimed to be wanted for terrorism in 15 countries, and the mayor of Dorval, Quebec, was falsely accused of refusing to stand up to Muslim families over pork on school menus.
• 🌐 A website resembling a local Quebec news site is actually an ad revenue scheme based in Ukraine, illustrating the deceptive nature of some online sources.
• 🔍 The script encourages viewers to dig deeper to unravel fake news and to be aware of how easily it can be spread and believed.
• 📚 Researchers suggest using terms 'misinformation' or 'disinformation' instead of 'fake news' for clarity, defining disinformation as the deliberate creation or sharing of false information to mislead.
• 🤔 Social media platforms can prime people to be 'lazy thinkers', according to Gordon Pennycook, making them more susceptible to believing and sharing misinformation without critical thought.
• 🔄 Repeat exposure to fake news headlines on social media can increase belief in them, even if the person doesn't remember having seen the headline before.
• 📹 The spread of disinformation can be facilitated by video clips taken out of context, as demonstrated by a misleading video of Prime Minister Trudeau and President Bolsonaro.
• 🔎 Experts recommend being skeptical of content that makes one angry, especially during election years, and to scrutinize the source and credibility of the information.
• 👀 To avoid falling for disinformation, one should read beyond headlines, verify the author or organization, check if reputable outlets are reporting the same story, and examine the URL for legitimacy.
• 👮‍♀️ Fact-checking can be a powerful tool in holding politicians and others accountable for spreading incorrect information, and individuals can help by pointing out inaccuracies to others respectfully.

Q & A

What is the origin of the persistent piece of fake news about refugees in Canada mentioned in the script?

The fake news originates from a 2004 letter to the editor printed in The Toronto Star, which falsely claimed that refugees in Canada receive more money from the government than retired citizens.

What is the actual financial support comparison between retired Canadian citizens and refugees?

Retired Canadian citizens are eligible for about double the financial support that refugees receive, depending on the province.

Why does the script suggest avoiding the terms 'fake news'?

The script suggests avoiding 'fake news' because it has been used to describe a wide range of things from political spin to pranks, and it's recommended to use 'misinformation' or 'disinformation' instead for clarity.

What is the difference between misinformation and disinformation as defined in the script?

Misinformation is the act of sharing information without realizing it's wrong, while disinformation is the deliberate creation or sharing of false information to mislead people.

Can you provide an example of how fake news spread in 2017 and its consequences?

In 2017, misleading social posts and WhatsApp messages falsely claimed that Canada invited all Haitian nationals in the U.S. to apply for residency, leading Haitian asylum seekers to attempt crossing into Canada from the U.S.

What role does social media play in the spread of fake news according to Gordon Pennycook's research?

Social media platforms prime people to be 'lazy thinkers', making them more susceptible to accepting and sharing fake news headlines without critical evaluation.

How does the exposure to fake news headlines on social media affect belief in that information?

According to Gordon Pennycook's research, a single prior exposure to a fake news headline increases later belief in that headline, regardless of whether the person remembers having seen it before.

What is the issue with the spread of correct information compared to disinformation on social media?

Correct information doesn't spread as far as disinformation on social media because platforms are calibrated for engagement, favoring content that triggers strong reactions, which often includes disinformation.

What advice does Taylor Owen give on being skeptical of content during an election year?

Taylor Owen advises people to be skeptical of content that makes them angry, especially during an election year, and to consider how popular debate topics are being amplified or distorted by those trying to divide people.

What are some steps individuals can take to prevent falling for disinformation?

Individuals can read the whole article, verify the author or organization's reputation, check if other reputable outlets are reporting the story, examine the URL for legitimacy, and use reverse image search for photos in the story.

What measures has Facebook reportedly taken to combat disinformation?

Facebook has employed fact-checkers and moderators and has policies to take down accounts that try to interfere with elections.

What is the stance of the Canadian government on tech platforms that fail to clamp down on disinformation?

The Canadian government has signaled that it is considering penalties for tech platforms that do not effectively address disinformation, with the promise of meaningful financial consequences.

Outlines

00:00

📰 Debunking Canada's Persistent Fake News

The video script addresses the issue of persistent fake news in Canada, starting with a 2004 letter from The Toronto Star that falsely claimed refugees receive more money from the government than retired citizens. The script clarifies that retired Canadians are eligible for about double the amount a refugee receives, depending on the province. It also dispels other falsehoods, such as Jagmeet Singh being wanted for terrorism and a mayor standing up to Muslim families over pork in school menus, which are revealed to be baseless. The script highlights the role of fake news websites originating from Ukraine, disguised as local news outlets, and emphasizes the importance of digging deeper to uncover the truth behind such misinformation. The segment encourages viewers to be critical of what they read online and to understand the difference between misinformation and disinformation, the latter being the deliberate spreading of false information to mislead.

05:03

🤔 Combating Disinformation Through Scepticism and Fact-Checking

This paragraph delves into the reasons why people fall for and share fake news, including confirmation bias, malicious intent, and simple ignorance. It introduces Gordon Pennycook, a researcher in human reasoning and decision-making, who explains how social media platforms can foster 'lazy thinking' by conditioning users to engage with content without critical thought. The segment also discusses the impact of repeat exposure to fake news headlines and how they can influence beliefs, even when the exposure is forgotten. The video clip between Prime Minister Trudeau and Brazil's President Bolsonaro is used as an example of how misinformation can spread more effectively than the truth. Experts like Taylor Owen suggest that skepticism is crucial, especially during election years, and encourage individuals to fact-check and hold politicians accountable for their statements. The paragraph concludes with a call for collective responsibility in preventing the spread of disinformation, including the role of news organizations, journalists, and social media platforms, as well as the potential penalties for tech platforms that fail to regulate misinformation.

Keywords

💡Fake News

Fake News refers to false information presented as news, often with the intent to deceive or manipulate public opinion. In the video, it is the central theme, illustrating how persistent false claims, such as refugees receiving more money than retired citizens, can circulate widely despite being debunked. The script emphasizes the need to distinguish between misinformation and disinformation, with fake news being a form of both.

💡Misinformation

Misinformation is the unintentional sharing of false information, often without the knowledge that it is incorrect. The video script uses the term to differentiate between the accidental spread of false news and the deliberate act of disinformation. An example from the script is the misleading WhatsApp messages about Canada inviting Haitian nationals to apply for residency, which were based on misinformation.

💡Disinformation

Disinformation is the deliberate creation or sharing of false information with the intent to mislead. The video script explains this concept as a form of 'fake news' where the spreader has malicious intent. The example of the video clip between Prime Minister Trudeau and Brazil's President Bolsonaro being taken out of context to portray Trudeau negatively is a case of disinformation.

💡Refugees

Refugees are individuals who have been forced to flee their country due to persecution, war, or violence. In the video, the script addresses a common misconception that refugees in Canada receive more financial support from the government than retired citizens, which is a piece of debunked fake news.

💡Retired Citizens

Retired Citizens are individuals who have ended their careers and are no longer working. The script clarifies that retired Canadians are eligible for approximately double the financial support from the government compared to refugees, which counters the false narrative spread by fake news.

💡Social Media Platforms

Social Media Platforms are online services that allow users to create and share content or participate in social networking. The video discusses how these platforms can foster the spread of fake news by being designed for engagement, which inadvertently encourages sharing of sensational or misleading content.

💡Engagement

Engagement, in the context of the video, refers to the level of interaction and participation by users on social media platforms. The script points out that platforms are calibrated for high engagement, which can lead to the spread of disinformation as users are more likely to share content that evokes strong reactions.

💡Fact Checking

Fact Checking is the process of verifying the accuracy of information before it is disseminated. The video suggests that fact checking can be a powerful tool in combating disinformation. It is mentioned as a potential solution to hold politicians and news organizations accountable for the accuracy of their statements.

💡Political Spin

Political Spin is a form of communication, typically used by politicians or political parties, that presents information in a way that puts the best possible light on their policies or actions. The script mentions it as one of the uses of the term 'fake news,' indicating that it can be a misleading form of communication.

💡Partisan Groups

Partisan Groups are organizations or individuals that strongly support a particular party, cause, or ideology. The video script uses the example of partisan groups misinterpreting a video clip to suggest that they can contribute to the spread of disinformation by presenting content that aligns with their agenda.

💡Scepticism

Scepticism is the state of doubting or questioning the validity of something. In the video, scepticism is encouraged as a means to prevent falling for disinformation. Viewers are advised to be sceptical of content that makes them angry, especially during election years, as a way to critically evaluate the information they encounter.

💡Reputation

Reputation refers to the beliefs or opinions that are generally held about someone or something. The script advises viewers to consider the reputation of the author or organization sharing news, as a way to gauge the credibility of the information and to avoid falling prey to disinformation.

Highlights

A 2004 letter to the editor in The Toronto Star falsely claimed refugees in Canada receive more money than retired citizens.

Retired Canadians are eligible for about double what refugees get, depending on the province.

The falsehood about refugee funding continues to circulate online despite being debunked.

Jagmeet Singh is not wanted for terrorism in 15 countries, and a Quebec mayor did not refuse pork from school menus as falsely claimed.

A website resembling a Quebec news site is actually an ad revenue scheme based in Ukraine.

Fake news can be debunked with a little digging, but people continue to fall for it.

Researchers suggest using 'misinformation' or 'disinformation' instead of 'fake news'.

Disinformation is the deliberate creation or sharing of false information to mislead, while misinformation is unknowingly shared.

Misleading social posts in 2017 encouraged Haitian asylum seekers to cross into Canada based on false information.

People share fake news for various reasons, including agreement, troublemaking, or ignorance of its falsity.

Social media platforms can prime people to be 'lazy thinkers', according to Gordon Pennycook.

Repeat exposure to fake news headlines increases belief in them, even if the person doesn't remember seeing them before.

Correct information doesn't spread as far as disinformation on social media due to its engagement-based algorithm.

Taylor Owen suggests being skeptical of content that makes people angry, especially during election years.

To prevent falling for disinformation, read the whole article, verify the author or organization, and check the URL.

Fact-checking can be a powerful tool in holding politicians accountable for incorrect statements.

News organizations, journalists, and social media platforms all have a role in preventing the spread of disinformation.

Individuals can help by politely correcting friends and relatives when they share incorrect information.

Facebook has employed fact-checkers and moderators and will take down accounts that interfere with elections.

Governments are increasing pressure on companies like Facebook to combat disinformation.

Canada is considering penalties for tech platforms that don't clamp down on disinformation.

Transcripts

Vassy Kapelos: This might be

Canada's most persistent piece of fake news.

It comes from a 2004 letter to the editor

printed in The Toronto Star.

It says refugees in Canada receive more money

from the government than retired citizens.

It's not true.

In fact, a retired Canadian is eligible for about double

what a refugee gets,

depending on the province.

But you can still find the falsehood circulating online,

even though The Star and the Canadian government

debunked it.

[loud buzzer]

You should also know that Jagmeet Singh

is not wanted for terrorism in 15 countries.

Nor did the mayor of Dorval, Quebec

stand up to Muslim families

who asked to take pork off school menus.

He didn't do that. They never asked.

And this website that looks like a local Quebec news site,

it's actually an advertising revenue scheme

based in Ukraine.

[wings flapping]

All of this fake news seems to unravel

with just a little bit of digging.

So why do people keep falling for it,

and how can you better spot it?

♪ [theme]

First, let's get clear about the definition.

[tv static]

This was the largest audience to ever witness an inauguration,

period.

Vassy: Fake news has been used to describe everything from

political spin to pranks to conspiracy theories,

even to media outlets politicians don't like.

You are fake news.

I like real news, not fake news. You're fake news.

The fake news, the enemy of the people.

That's why researchers say we should stop using those words,

and instead, say "misinformation",

or "disinformation".

They define disinformation as the deliberate creation

or sharing of false information to mislead people.

Misinformation is the act of sharing information

without realizing it's wrong.

Whether it's a headline designed to sway opinions,

make money, or it's simply just misconstrued,

sharing this stuff can have real consequences.

Misleading social posts shared in 2017,

encouraged Haitian asylum seekers to try and cross

in to Canada from the U.S.

WhatsApp messages like this one said

Canada had invited all Haitian nationals in the U.S.

to apply for residency.

It wasn't true, but for people facing

possible deportation back to Haiti,

it was something they wanted to hear.

Researchers say there are a ton of reasons

people share fake news.

Some are just sharing stuff that they agree with.

Some are deliberately making trouble.

Others just don't know what they're sharing is false.

Gordon: I do research on human reasoning/decision making.

I research, essentially, the science of human study.

Vassy: Gordon Pennycook says social media platforms

prime people to be, quote, "lazy thinkers".

Gordon: Mostly, it's just, you know, pictures of dogs

and babies, and -- [chuckling]

-- and things like that.

And you might come across a news article,

but you're not really in the sort of mode

that you ought to be in when you're engaging with --

with actual news content.

Vassy: Among other things, his research looked at the effect

of repeat exposure.

Gordon: We basically showed people fake news headlines

in the format that they would be on social media,

and what we showed is that a single prior exposure

to a fake news headline

increases later belief in that headline,

regardless of whether the person remembers having seen it before.

Now consider the convincing nature of a video clip.

Check out this moment between Prime Minister Trudeau

and Brazil's President Bolsonaro at the G20.

Clips of it started circulating online

with partisan groups saying it showed

"awkward and pathetic Trudeau being snubbed

on the world stage".

Global News tried to clarify the disinformation

by tweeting a longer version of the video showing

the two men did, in fact, shake hands.

But you'll notice that the correct information

didn't spread as far as the disinformation.

And that, experts will tell you,

is what's wrong with social media.

Ultimately, it's calibrated for engagement

so that, um, the more people are enraged and engaged,

and ultimately, divided on these sites,

the more they use them,

and the more they post, and the more they share,

which is ultimately good for the platforms --

the business model of the platforms.

Vassy: Taylor Owen studies

the political impact of digital technology

at McGill University.

He says people should be sceptical of content

that makes them angry,

especially during an election year.

Taylor: Pipelines, reconciliation,

immigration, these things that we already know

are in the popular debate,

how are they being amplified,

how are they being torqued

by people trying to divide us against each other?

So what else can you do to prevent falling

for disinformation?

Well, be sceptical of what you see online.

Read the whole article.

Sometimes that sensational headline doesn't match

the body of the story.

Ask yourself, "Is the author or organization familiar to you?

Are they reputable?

Are other reputable outlets reporting the story too?

Look at the url.

If the content is imitating a legitimate site,

the branding might might match, but the urls won't.

If you really want to dig,

try a Google reverse image search of photos in the story.

And if you see something that's fake or misleading,

report it to the platform you saw it on.

But here's the problem,

not everyone has the time, skill, or will

to do this kind of sleuthing.

It's not just not knowing that much about the world,

you know, it's not like ignorance,

it's just not being, kind of, willing to think about things

which is a different sort of stupidity.

So what's the solution?

Well, there's no single easy answer.

Fact checking has the potential to be a really helpful

and powerful medium.

So holding politicians to account for the incorrect

things that they say.

Vassy: Jason Reifler studies public opinion

and political psychology

at the University of Exeter in the UK.

He says news organizations, journalists,

and social media platforms all have a role in preventing

the spread of disinformation.

But studies show little things you do can help too.

On the individual basis, calling our friends and relatives out,

in a nice, you know,

not in to what starts as a huge political argument,

but just pointing out when they're saying things

that aren't correct.

But that can have a beneficial effect.

As the world gets bigger, and more connected,

we need that sense of-- of intimacy more than--

more than ever.

Vassy: Facebook says it's employed fact checkers,

and moderators,

and will take down accounts

that try to interfere with the election.

Plus, governments around the world have been turning up

the pressure on companies, like Facebook, to do more.

The platforms are failing their users.

Vassy: Canada has also signalled it's considering penalties

for tech platforms that don't clamp down on disinformation.

And if they don't, we will hold them to account,

and there will be meaningful, financial consequences.

Vassy: But they haven't acted specifically on that.

♪ ♪