Misinformation Madness

Illustration of person pushing against icons representing misinformation

A couple of weeks ago, I was at a conference listening to a panel about misinformation and disinformation, which has been compounded by quickly produced (and sometimes dubious) AI content and shrinking newsrooms. Honestly, it was pretty depressing. The shrinking newsrooms at the local level and the lack of outlets that practice rigorous and investigative journalism is profoundly damaging in so many ways. While AI can be a useful tool, it also accelerates the pace at which misinformation can be churned out, and increasingly, AI can make something false look real.

What can help stem the tide?

• Media literacy - Training people of all ages to vet what they see on online, broadcast or in print.

• Advocate for Accountability - Misinformation can have real life consequences, such as people not getting correct information in an emergency (a hurricane, for example) or getting scammed and losing money, and more. Could misinformation be treated as we treat product safety? Look at the warnings on products you buy. They are there because manufacturers know that they are accountable for the safety of their products. Is there a way to hold people and organizations who knowingly spread misinformation which harms people, accountable?

• Authenticity- Here is where I believe marketing, communications and PR can make a difference by creating authentic communications and community building. People respond to people and trust their communities. Products, services and brands can choose to share authentic stories and build trusting communities.

Perhaps I am naive, but I hope and believe that eventually there will be pushback against the tide of misinformation, and I hope people realize that they do not need to tolerate it.