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.