INFODEMI: Penjelasan Ilmiah Soal Kenapa Berita Hoax Covid-19 Bisa Merajalela! || Astri Dwi Andriani

Summary

In this video, Astri Dwi Andriani discusses the dangers of 'infodemic,' a flood of misinformation related to COVID-19. She explains how this misinformation can harm both physical and mental health, drawing parallels to the pandemic itself. The speaker highlights the role of social media platforms, like Facebook and WhatsApp, in spreading fake news, and the impact of filter bubbles on individuals’ beliefs. The video also explores different types of misinformation—misinformation, disinformation, and malinformation—and offers advice on avoiding the spread of false news. The importance of digital literacy and careful information sharing is emphasized to combat the infodemic.

Takeaways

• 😀 The COVID-19 pandemic is not the only global crisis; an 'infodemic' of misinformation is equally harmful.
• 😀 Misinformation can negatively affect both physical and mental health, influencing key decisions like vaccination choices.
• 😀 Stress caused by misinformation can exacerbate existing physical conditions, such as chronic illnesses.
• 😀 Infodemics spread through digital platforms like Facebook (71.9%), WhatsApp (21.5%), and YouTube, among others.
• 😀 Misinformation can spread unintentionally when people share false news without realizing its inaccuracy.
• 😀 Disinformation is intentionally spread with the goal of deceiving or causing harm to others.
• 😀 Malinformation refers to true information shared with the intent to harm or damage a person or group.
• 😀 Filter bubbles are algorithm-driven isolations that show users only content they already agree with, reinforcing their beliefs.
• 😀 The era of 'post-truth' involves a disregard for facts, where people often accept their own beliefs as truth despite evidence to the contrary.
• 😀 Confirmation bias occurs when people seek out information that confirms their existing opinions, further entrenching misinformation.
• 😀 To combat misinformation, individuals must verify facts before sharing, preventing the spread of harmful fake news.

Q & A

What is infodemic, and why is it dangerous?

An infodemic refers to the excessive spread of inaccurate or unverifiable information, especially on social media platforms, which can confuse people and make it difficult to differentiate between fact and fiction. Infodemics can be just as harmful as a pandemic, as they can negatively affect both physical and mental health, as well as decision-making, especially in crucial times like during a pandemic.

How does infodemic impact people's health and decision-making?

Infodemic can influence people's health decisions by causing confusion and leading them to make choices based on false information. For example, if someone believes misinformation about vaccines being dangerous, they might avoid vaccination, putting themselves and others at risk. It also affects mental health, as misinformation can lead to unnecessary stress or anxiety.

What is the concept of psychosomatic illness, and how is it related to the infodemic?

Psychosomatic illness refers to physical health problems caused or influenced by psychological factors such as stress or anxiety. In the context of an infodemic, misinformation can increase stress, which might exacerbate existing physical conditions, such as digestive issues or chronic diseases.

Which platforms are most responsible for spreading misinformation?

According to data from November 2020, the top platforms spreading misinformation are Facebook (71.9%), WhatsApp (21.5%), and YouTube. These platforms are often used to share misleading or false information that can go viral quickly.

What are the types of misinformation that people should avoid?

There are three types of misinformation: 1) Misinformation, which is false information shared without the intent to mislead. 2) Disinformation, which is deliberately false information intended to harm or deceive. 3) Malinformation, which is true information that is shared with the intent to cause harm to a specific person or group.

What is the 'filter bubble,' and how does it contribute to the spread of misinformation?

A filter bubble refers to the algorithmic process on social media that tailors content to what a user is likely to engage with, based on their past behaviors. This can trap users in a cycle of seeing only information that aligns with their beliefs, reinforcing their views and potentially contributing to the spread of misinformation.

What is 'confirmation bias,' and how does it relate to the spread of fake news?

Confirmation bias is the tendency to favor information that confirms one's pre-existing beliefs. In the context of fake news, it leads people to accept false information as true if it aligns with their views, while dismissing contradicting facts. This can amplify the spread of misinformation.

What impact does 'post-truth' era have on people's beliefs and decision-making?

'Post-truth' is a time where emotional appeal and personal beliefs often take precedence over facts and objective truth. In this era, people may believe in false information if it aligns with their emotions or ideologies, ignoring the actual data and facts.

How can people protect themselves from being part of the misinformation cycle?

People should actively verify the information they receive before sharing it, relying on trusted sources and fact-checking platforms. Developing media literacy, questioning the accuracy of viral content, and avoiding echo chambers can help prevent being misled by misinformation.

How does the theory of 'cultivation' by George Gerbner relate to how media influences beliefs?

Gerbner's 'cultivation theory' suggests that people who are exposed to a particular type of media content regularly, such as violent or dramatic shows, are more likely to believe that the world reflects those portrayals. In terms of misinformation, continuous exposure to false or biased media can shape people's perception of reality, leading them to believe inaccurate or harmful narratives.