Ten characteristics of coronavirus misinformation | Training video with Claire Wardle

Summary

This video discusses the key characteristics of coronavirus misinformation, focusing on how bad actors spread false narratives. It highlights tactics such as moving misinformation from private groups to social media, using visual content like memes, and repurposing old content to appear current. It also covers the rise of scams, hate speech, and keyword manipulation. Localized misinformation, imposter content, and the challenges of attribution are addressed, emphasizing the difficulty of tracking the sources of rumors. The video aims to raise awareness for reporters and content creators about how misinformation spreads and its potential impact.

Takeaways

• 😀 Bad actors aim to spread misinformation across multiple platforms, starting from closed groups to social media, and eventually into professional media to amplify their reach.
• 😀 Closed messaging apps (e.g., WhatsApp, Facebook groups) are increasingly used for misinformation due to their privacy features and the trust within smaller, more personal networks.
• 😀 Visuals and memes are powerful tools for spreading misinformation as they are engaging, emotional, and easily shareable without requiring users to visit external sites.
• 😀 Misinformation often contains a kernel of truth, with older content being recycled and re-labeled as new information to deceive people.
• 😀 Scammers are exploiting the coronavirus crisis to sell fraudulent testing kits, cures, and treatments through platforms like Amazon and Facebook Marketplace.
• 😀 Local online groups (e.g., Nextdoor, local Facebook groups) are fertile ground for circulating misinformation, as people seek hyperlocal, trustworthy information during the pandemic.
• 😀 Misinformation and hate speech are increasingly intertwined, with certain groups using racial divisions and xenophobia to spread harmful content and fuel hate crimes.
• 😀 Keyword squatting is a deliberate tactic where bad actors dominate specific keywords or hashtags (e.g., 'CCP virus') to spread racist or misleading content.
• 😀 Imposter content, such as fake documents or doctored logos from trusted organizations (e.g., CDC, WHO), is used to lend false credibility to misleading information.
• 😀 Attribution of misinformation is often difficult in real-time, and it’s hard to track the origin of rumors or conspiracies. This makes it challenging to identify the responsible actors without further investigation.

Q & A

What is the primary goal of bad actors spreading misinformation across platforms?

The primary goal of bad actors is to amplify the reach of misinformation by moving it from private, closed groups (e.g., WhatsApp) to social media platforms, and eventually into mainstream media, where it can gain more visibility and attention.

Why are closed messaging apps popular for sharing misinformation?

Closed messaging apps like WhatsApp and Facebook groups are popular because they provide a trusted, private space for people to share information. Due to their encryption, it's difficult for anyone (including platform owners) to track or monitor the content, which makes it harder to counter misinformation.

How do visuals and memes play a role in spreading misinformation?

Visuals and memes are effective for spreading misinformation because they are emotionally compelling, easy to share, and don’t require users to visit external websites. Their simplicity and virality make them more engaging and impactful, which can drive misinformation further.

What does 'a kernel of truth' mean in the context of misinformation?

A 'kernel of truth' refers to the practice of using real, verifiable information in conjunction with false or misleading content. This technique makes the misinformation appear more credible, as the truth lends legitimacy to the false narrative.

How do scammers take advantage of the coronavirus pandemic?

Scammers exploit the pandemic by selling fraudulent testing kits, cures, and treatments, often on online platforms like Amazon or Facebook Marketplace. Despite efforts to curb these scams, they still manage to mislead and exploit vulnerable individuals.

Why are local online groups increasingly used for misinformation?

Local online groups are becoming hotspots for misinformation because people are seeking hyperlocal information that is directly relevant to their community. These groups are trusted more by individuals, making them ideal platforms for spreading rumors that seem more authentic.

What is the connection between misinformation and hate speech during the pandemic?

During the pandemic, misinformation is often intertwined with hate speech, particularly targeting racial or ethnic groups. This is leading to an increase in hate crimes, especially those aimed at people of Asian descent, as false narratives stoke xenophobia and racial tension.

What is 'keyword squatting' and how is it used to spread misinformation?

Keyword squatting refers to the practice of intentionally dominating certain search terms or hashtags to misrepresent individuals, groups, or information. By owning popular keywords or hashtags, bad actors can manipulate search results and spread misleading or harmful content.

How does imposter content contribute to the spread of misinformation?

Imposter content involves using the logos or branding of trusted organizations (e.g., the CDC) to make false information appear legitimate. This increases the likelihood that people will trust and share misleading content, as the recognizable logos provide a sense of authority.

Why is attribution difficult when tracking the source of misinformation in real-time?

Attribution is difficult because misinformation often spreads rapidly and anonymously, making it hard to trace its origins. Additionally, without access to platform data or intelligence resources, reporters and fact-checkers are often unable to determine who is behind a particular rumor in real-time.