As my final assignment for the course of “Misinformation and Society”, I am sharing these posts to prevent the spread of misinformation on social media particularly for Generation Z .
GenZ (born between 1997- 2012) are considered the most susceptible to fake news on social media, despite of being “digital natives” and significant amount of time they spent online, according to the study by University of Cambridge.
Social media become major news source for those younger generations. Paw Research shows that 43% of young adults get news from TIkTok. This demonstrates a high rate of news consumption on social media, where their algorithm prioritizes engagement, often fuels the spread of fake news.
Another study highlights prominent feature of GenZ -the lack of trust in institutions, only 16 percent of Generation Z trust major institutions.
Now GenZ are entering adulthood, joining workforce and establishing their own family and social role, they are becoming eligible to vote in elections. Therefore, their ability to evaluate credibility on political claim is essential for a healthy society in the future.
Photo/AP
I would like to include here the examples of political conspiracy theories spread on social media.
On January 6 2021, the United States Capitol Hill was attacked by a mob of supporters of President Trump in an attempt to overturn 2020 Presidential election result. Five people died and nearly 1500 people were charged for federal crime. Some one them were leaders of far right extremist groups like the Proud Boys and Oath Keepers.
President Trump posted on his Truth Social, falsely claiming that FBI coordinated the riot, but no undercover agent were present as watchdog verified.
His message was passed on to social media platforms and news media. Right-wing news channel Just the News broadcasted as follows: “FBI Bombshell: 274 agents sent to Capitol for J6, many later complained they were political ‘pawns’”.
On Podcast, Joe Rogan, an American comedian and one of the most popular podcaster has said following – “The January 6th thing is bad but the intelligence agencies were involved in provoking people”. He is often criticized spreading conspiracy theories. Washington Post reported that 25 percent of American believe that falsehood.
Among the Jan 6 attack conspiracy theories are not just the FBI, but also by anti-Trump Antifa activist. Antifa, an anti-fascist movement, is often criticized for its alleged use of violence. Antifa has been labeled as terrorist by Trump two weeks after conservative activist Charlie Kirk was assassinated at campus event in Utah.
Photo/NPR
Charlie Kirk, MAGA Young conservative figure and a co-founder of Turning Point USA, was a prominent voice on Instagram and YouTube. He was very influential among young people. However, he is often marked by the promotion of misinformation about topics like climate change and to spread conspiracy theories regarding the 2020 election and Covid vaccines.
Freedom of speech should never be taken away from anyone. In amid of polarization age, I am strongly reminded that equipping young people to navigate flood of misinformation on social media is more critical than ever.
Introducing SIFT Method
Here, I share SIFT method to fight against misinformation on social media. SIFT method is evaluation strategy by digital expert Mike Caulfield, to determine whether online content can be trusted or reliable and credible source of information.
S stands for stop, I is investigate, F is find better source and T is trace original source.
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