How Disinformation Spreads (With ATOM ARAULLO)

Summary

In this insightful script, Atom Araullo addresses the pervasive issue of 'fake news', comparing its spread to a viral infection. He debunks a personal myth about his name's origin, emphasizing the ease with which false information can be accepted as truth. Araullo highlights a study by MIT that false news spreads faster due to its novelty. He outlines three reasons why people believe fake news, including its source, the bandwagon effect, and the influence of bots and trolls. The script warns of the detrimental effects of misinformation on society, including the erosion of trust in media and the undermining of democracy, urging for responsible sharing of information.

Takeaways

• 📢 The COVID-19 pandemic is considered over by the World Health Organization, but there's another 'virus' spreading: fake news.
• 🗣️ Atom Araullo clarifies a common false belief about the origin of his name, debunking a myth related to the August Twenty-One Movement.
• 🗓️ Araullo was born before the formation of the August Twenty-One Movement, showing the importance of fact-checking dates in debunking misinformation.
• 👥 The name 'Atom' is derived from his grandfathers' names, Alfonso and Tomas, illustrating how personal narratives can be misconstrued.
• 📈 A study by MIT shows that false information spreads faster than verified news due to its novelty and interesting nature.
• 🤔 People are more likely to believe fake news from sources they trust, such as family, friends, or influencers.
• 🤖 The spread of false information is facilitated by bots and trolls, which are programmed to disseminate lies on the internet.
• 😷 Just like a virus, false information can infect people without them realizing, leading to a lack of awareness of the misinformation they spread.
• 💡 The University of Exeter study highlights four negative effects of being infected with false information, including belief in conspiracy theories and distrust in science.
• 🗳️ The spread of false information can undermine democracy by affecting people's ability to make informed choices based on facts.
• 👵👦 Vulnerable groups to false information include the elderly, the youth, and those with limited knowledge about misinformation.
• 🤝 Araullo encourages helping those who fall for fake news instead of mocking them, and emphasizes the importance of reporting false information.
• 📝 He concludes by stressing the power of words and the responsibility to ensure that what we share is accurate and truthful.

Q & A

What is Atom Araullo's profession?

Atom Araullo is a reporter, news anchor, and documentarist.

According to the World Health Organization, what is the status of the COVID-19 pandemic?

The World Health Organization has stated that the COVID-19 pandemic is over.

What is the 'fake news virus' referred to in the script?

The 'fake news virus' is a metaphor for the rapid spread of false information or fake news in society.

What is the origin of Atom Araullo's name, as mentioned in the script?

Atom Araullo's name is derived from the combination of the names of his two grandfathers, Alfonso and Tomas.

Why did a myth about Atom Araullo's name spread quickly?

The myth spread quickly because it was interesting and different from usual topics, making it more likely to be shared by people.

What does the research from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) suggest about the spread of false information?

The MIT research suggests that false information spreads faster than verified news due to its novelty and the tendency of people to share interesting or different content quickly.

What are the three reasons people tend to believe fake news more than true information, as outlined in the script?

People tend to believe fake news more when it comes from family or friends, from well-known individuals, and when it is spread by groups with significant resources, such as bots and trolls.

What are the four negative effects of being infected with false information, as per the study by the University of Exeter?

The four negative effects are: 1) increased belief in conspiracy theories, 2) distrust in science and research, 3) distrust in journalists and the media, and 4) a decline in democracy and the right of people to make informed choices.

What is the role of bots and trolls in spreading false information?

Bots and trolls are programmed or individuals using fake social media accounts to spread false information on the internet.

What advice does Atom Araullo give for dealing with people who fall for fake news?

Atom Araullo advises to help those who fall for fake news instead of mocking them, and to explain to those who knowingly spread lies that it is wrong.

What is Atom Araullo's final recommendation for dealing with false information?

Atom Araullo recommends reporting false information on social media platforms or sending it to fact-checking organizations, and always ensuring that what is posted is correct and true.

Outlines

00:00

📢 The Spread of Fake News Virus

Atom Araullo introduces the concept of 'fake news' as a virus, explaining its rapid spread due to its novelty and the tendency of people to share interesting or unusual information quickly. He uses his own name's origin myth as an example of how false information can spread and be believed, emphasizing the importance of fact-checking and the role of social media in amplifying such misinformation. Araullo also discusses the reasons why people are more likely to believe fake news, including its source being a friend, a well-known person, or due to the influence of bots and trolls. He highlights the negative impact of misinformation on society, including the erosion of trust in media and the potential for it to alter historical perceptions.

05:03

🛡️ Combating the Fake News Pandemic

In the second paragraph, Atom Araullo continues to address the issue of misinformation, focusing on its effects on public perception, particularly in relation to the COVID-19 pandemic and vaccines. He points out that false information can lead to conspiracy theories, distrust in science, and a decline in democratic processes. Araullo emphasizes the vulnerability of certain groups, such as the elderly and the youth, and calls for a supportive approach towards those who fall for fake news, rather than ridicule. He concludes by advocating for the reporting of false information and the importance of verifying the accuracy of shared content, underlining the power of words and the responsibility to use them wisely.

Keywords

💡Fake News

Fake news refers to false information or propaganda published under the guise of being authentic news. In the video, Atom Araullo discusses the rapid spread of this 'virus' and its impact on society, using his own name origin myth as an example to illustrate how easily false stories can be believed and shared.

💡COVID-19 Pandemic

The COVID-19 pandemic is a global health crisis caused by the novel coronavirus SARS-CoV-2. Araullo mentions it to contrast the real pandemic with the metaphorical 'pandemic' of false information, emphasizing that just as COVID-19 has affected the world, so too has the spread of misinformation.

💡Fact-Checking

Fact-checking is the process of verifying the accuracy of statements or reports. Araullo emphasizes its importance in debunking the myth about his name's origin and highlights the role of fact-checking in combating the spread of false information.

💡Social Media

Social media platforms are online spaces where users can create and share content or participate in social networking. The script discusses how social media accelerates the spread of false information, likening it to a virus that gains rapid traction through likes, shares, and comments.

💡Novelty

Novelty refers to the quality of being new or unusual. Araullo cites a study from MIT that explains why false information spreads faster than verified news, attributing it to the novelty of the false claims that make them more interesting and shareable.

💡Conspiracy Theories

Conspiracy theories are explanations for events or situations that invoke a conspiracy by sinister and powerful groups, often without credible evidence. The script mentions how being infected with 'false information' can lead people to easily believe in such theories, altering their perception of reality.

💡Science and Research

Science and research involve systematic investigation and study to establish facts and theories. Araullo points out that false information can erode trust in science, as seen with COVID-19 vaccine skepticism, which undermines public health efforts.

💡Disinformation

Disinformation is the deliberate spread of false information to deceive or mislead. The script describes how entities with 'big machinery', including bots and trolls, contribute to the spread of disinformation, impacting the integrity of information on the internet.

💡Bandwagon Effect

The bandwagon effect is a psychological phenomenon where people do something primarily because others are doing it, regardless of their own beliefs. Araullo suggests that this effect can influence the acceptance of false information, as people may believe in something simply because it is widely shared.

💡Media Literacy

Media literacy is the ability to access, analyze, evaluate, and create media in a variety of forms. Araullo concludes the script by stressing the importance of media literacy in discerning truth from falsehood and the responsibility each person has in sharing accurate information.

💡Democracy

Democracy is a system of government where power is vested in the people and exercised by them directly or through elected representatives. The script warns that the spread of false information can undermine democracy by distorting the facts upon which people make political choices.

Highlights

The COVID-19 pandemic is considered over by the World Health Organization.

A different virus is spreading - the fake news or false information virus.

A common myth about Atom Araullo's name origin is debunked.

The August Twenty-One Movement was formed after Atom Araullo's birth.

Atom's name is derived from the names of his two grandfathers, Alfonso and Tomas.

False information spreads faster than verified news, according to MIT research.

Novelty and interest in false information leads to quicker sharing.

Most false information is made up and spreads rapidly on social media.

Three reasons why people believe fake news more than true information.

Information from family or friends is more likely to be believed immediately.

Well-known people sharing information increases the likelihood of belief.

The bandwagon effect influences belief in widely shared fake news.

Bots and trolls are used to spread false information on the internet.

Four negative effects of being infected with false information.

People infected with false information are more likely to believe in conspiracy theories.

False information can lead to distrust in science and research.

The spread of false information damages the reputation of journalists and media.

Democracy and the right of people to choose are at risk due to false information.

The elderly, youth, and those with little knowledge are usual victims of false information.

Helping others understand fake news rather than mocking them is encouraged.

Reporting false information on social media and to fact-checking organizations is important.

Caution and care towards our minds, history, and society is as important as health.

The power of words and the importance of using them correctly in sharing information.

Transcripts

Hi! How are you?

I’m Atom Araullo, a reporter, news anchor, and documentarist.

If we’re going to ask the World Health Organization or WHO,

the COVID-19 pandemic is already over.

But did you know that aside from COVID, there’s another virus that’s spreading around us?

And anyone can be infected!

This is the fake news or false information virus.

Do you want an example?

I have that! Featuring me, Atom Araullo!

It has long been circulating in social media that my name originated from the August Twenty-One Movement or ATOM,

an organization formed after the death of Senator Ninoy Aquino.

The group ATOM fought the Marcos Sr. regime.

But, let’s fact-check first, guys.

I was born on October 19, 1982,

while Ninoy Aquino died on August 21, 1983.

It was only after Ninoy’s assassination that the August Twenty-One Movement was formed.

So how can it be possible that I was named after it?

The truth is, my name Atom is a combination of Alfonso and Tomas,

the names of my two grandfathers.

Even though this myth seems funny,

it spread quickly and many believed it.

They even say that I have a political agenda.

This is one example of the spread of false information.

People exposed were quickly infected.

Because there’s a higher chance of passing rumors to others than the truth.

Are you a bit confused? I’ll explain it more.

Based on a study by experts from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT),

false information spreads faster than verified news.

According to the said research, it is because of the novelty of the false information.

If it’s interesting or different from the usual topics,

people share it faster with their acquaintances.

What’s scary is that most of the false information spreading around us

is simply made up.

And once it enters social media… Oh no!

It will gain likes, shares, and comments faster.

It’s like a virus or a sickness that spreads swiftly and infects anyone.

But the question is, why do people tend to believe fake news more than true information?

There are three reasons:

First, when the fake news came from your family or friends.

According to BBC, when a piece of information comes from our family or friends,

there’s a great possibility that we’ll believe it right away.

Second, when the fake news came from a well-known person.

When your idol or an influencer shares it, there’s a high chance that you’ll believe it.

Is it like the bandwagon effect?

When many already believe it, you will too.

And third, some groups behind the spread of false information have big machinery to do so.

There are bots and trolls programmed to disperse lies on the internet.

Applications programmed to do something are called bots or robots.

Trolls are people using fake social media accounts to spread false information.

Before, the internet only had FarmVille, now there is a troll farm.

The trolls exert so much effort just for disinformation.

So be cautious, because maybe you’ll also be infected by the fake news virus.

What’s worse is that not all who are infected notice that they’re already sick.

Like COVID, there are also asymptomatic victims of false information.

Often, they don’t experience any symptoms.

There are four bad effects of being infected with false information,

according to a study by the University of Exeter in the United Kingdom.

First, people believe in conspiracy theories easily.

Sometimes, conspiracy theories are completely funny but many still believe it.

Did you hear of a conspiracy theory that Jose Rizal didn’t die at Bagumbayan before?

On top of that, it’s said that Adolf Hitler is his son!

Unbelievable, right? False information is forcibly changing our history.

Second, some do not believe in science and research anymore because of false information.

COVID-19 and the vaccines against it are good examples.

Due to the false information spreading on social media,

some people do not believe that there’s a pandemic

even though many were already infected and died.

Others believe the COVID-19 vaccines are dangerous.

Some say, there are microchips in it that can control the people.

And that we’ll become zombies once injected with the COVID-19 vaccine!

Although some of the examples are laughable,

many still fall for information like these.

The third effect of fake news: Because of the spread of false information,

people are distrusting journalists and the media.

The reputation of some journalists and media organizations is being ruined.

Journalists are also aggressively demonized — saying that we are biased or only after the money.

Even though we’re reporting the truth as long as it’s critical towards one side or an individual,

it’s being tagged as “fake news."

Lastly, democracy fades in the country as well as the right of the people to choose.

When we only encounter false information,

we lose the right to choose based on the truth or facts.

Anyone can be a victim of false information.

All of us can be infected by the fake news virus.

But when there are usual suspects, there are also usual victims.

These include the elderly like our grandparents.

The youth who are too exposed to social media and the internet and…

The people who have little knowledge of false information.

If you know someone who always falls for fake news, please, do not mock or fight them.

It’s better to help them rather than laugh at them.

But those who are unreasonable, the ones who know that it’s pure lies but still share it with others...

That’s another matter. We need to explain to them that spreading fake news is wrong.

Finally, report prevailing false information on social media platforms

or send it to fact-checking organizations.

Aside from COVID-19, false information is also a virus.

The caution and care we have towards our health must also be directed to our minds, history, and society.

Always remember, our words are powerful.

Use them correctly.

Before posting anything, ensure that it’s correct and true.

This is Atom Araullo for the Media and Information Literacy Project of UP Diliman.