First, let’s establish what is meant by disinformation and misinformation. Misinformation is the sharing of false or inexact information getting the facts wrong. Disinformation is a subset of misinformation; it shares false information with the deliberate intention to mislead. In other words, misinformation could be by mistake, while disinformation is deliberate.
Like many other parts of the world, the UK is in the firm grip of an epidemic of disinformation and misinformation. Tenuous headlines on mainstream platforms, and conspiracy theories spreading through social media mean that no area of public discourse is free from lies. This is not some kind of symptom of the digital age; it is cultural and societal, with major implications for the likes of public health and social cohesion.
The rise of disinformation and misinformation
Before the internet, every pub had that one person who would tell you a story and claim it was true, everyone would say oh that’s Bob, just ignore him, but then came social media, now all the Bobs could talk to each other. The internet was welcomed in the first place as a means to democratise knowledge. However, it has simultaneously turned into a hotbed of disinformation and misinformation.
Designed to foster more user engagement, social media platforms inadvertently foster echo chambers where both of these thrive. Algorithms filter in the most divisive and sensational content; because those get more clicks, shares, and comments-and of course, profitability-but they are disastrous for the truth. It’s like asking a taxi driver how his job went, nobody wants to hear about picking up a passenger and taking them home if nothing happened since that is a non-story.
A study run by Reuters in 2023 showed that almost 40% of UK citizens surveyed struggled to recognise the difference between real and fake news online. Today’s speed and volume of information exacerbate the problem of people not knowing the difference between fact and fiction. One claim can reach millions in only hours; and many of those who see it never see the correction. As the saying goes, “A lie can travel halfway around the world while the truth is still putting on its shoes.”
This is shown with Community Notes on X, rather than a fact checker it is left to the community to show if a claim is false, but it has to be voted on and could take ages before shown on the post if at all.
It is not just confined to the dark recesses of the internet. It seeps into the mainstream too, due to poorly sourced reporting or an eagerness to publish in a competitive 24 hour news cycle. Inaccurate reporting sometimes catches even the well-respected outlets off guard.
Where does it originate?
Misinformation and disinformation abound in the UK from many sources, each with its own motivation.
Foreign interference: Some foreign powers have been accused of using disinformation with a view to destabilising democracies; an example is the widely alleged Russian interference in the 2016 Brexit referendum.
Conspiracy theorists: Various groups or individuals who advance anti-vaccine rhetoric, climate denial, and “alternative” histories have seized upon social media as a method for magnifying their messages.
Everyday users: The most insidious form of misinformation probably emanates from ordinary people who are unwittingly passing along unverified or misleading content. What perhaps originates as a misconstrued post spirals into general belief.
Media and politicians: High-profile individuals and, in some instances, even news outlets have at various times propagated false or misleading information sometimes deliberately and at other times through negligence, further harming the public trust.
The Covid-19 pandemic is a stark reminder of how lethal misinformation can be. Claims ranging from microchips in vaccines to Covid-19 being a hoax created widespread confusion and, in some cases, rebuttal of life-saving measures.
Social cost: The effects of disinformation and misinformation on UK society far extend past distorting public opinion in fracturing communities and undermining the most vital institutions.
Trust in institutions eroding: Public confidence in the government, scientific bodies, and mainstream media is fading. In such a situation where people are confused about what to believe, they are likely to shift towards fringe sources or withdraw completely from civic discourse.
Polarization: Misinformation has fed cultural and political divides. Individuals view each other as either left or right, depending on how you view a subject. Brexit is one of the examples where there was false campaigning from both sides; letting tensions rise and causing fractures in society that are still present today.
Public health risks: Health misinformation has real-life consequences. Vaccine hesitancy, driven by misinformation, has led to outbreaks of diseases believed to be eradicated or at least under control; it also hindered efforts to fight Covid-19.
Combating the crisis
The UK’s problem requires an integrated effort by governments, technology companies, educators, and the public.
Platforms’regulation: Most social media companies need to do more and take further actions against misinformation. They will achieve this by advancing algorithms that deprioritise misleading content and making investments in fact-checking programs. Online Safety Bill of UK intends to make platforms responsible; how effective it will be needs to be seen.
Media literacy: Perhaps more than anything, education arms people against misinformation. Learning critical thinking and media literacy in schools would help the growing generation make intelligent choices while browsing through information.
Fact checking and accountability: One of the few independent organisations doing fact checking is Full Fact, but much work is to be done even as these organisations struggle to keep up with the volume of untruths circulating online.
Community responsibility: Individuals can also contribute. Creating healthy scepticism-questioning sources, seeking corroboration, and not forwarding unverified content-can go a long way in halting the spread of misinformation.
A turning point
The UK stands at a crossroads. Disinformation and misinformation have moved from fringe issues to ones that have shown to shape elections, policy, and even public health. The longer it is allowed to spread unchecked, the greater the damage it will inflict on our society.
Yet, not all is lost. There is a growing awareness of theproblem, which has spurred action at everything from a grassroots level to legislation. The key now is sustaining that momentum and sending the current society towards one that respects truth over sensationalism.
This battle of misinformation is not about the accuracy of information but for the future of informed democracy. As citizens, institutions, and as a nation, we must now make our decisions regarding what defines us: by falsehoods or by championing the truth. In this era, we can be rightfully equipoised only through watchfulness, education, and cooperation.
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