Reflecting on the LSCA Misinformation and Disinformation Webinar
By Mahoney Hore-Gibson
A few weeks ago, LSCA hosted a webinar on misinformation and disinformation. It provided fantastic insight into the impact that information has on individuals and communities today.
We were introduced to the topic through the context of how life-changing events like COVID-19, the Australian bushfires and the growth of smartphones/social media have changed the way people access, share and trust information.
There was a strong emphasis on the importance of maintaining a healthy information ecosystem through trust in institutions, critical thinking, access to independent media and shared social values. The statistics presented were particularly impactful, with a study showing 59% of people reported they had encountered misinformation in the previous week and 97% of adults lacked sufficient skills to confidently verify misinformation online. This is a great reminder of the importance of digital literacy across all communities.
The explanation of the information scale was especially useful, as it clearly differentiates between key concepts like opinions and perspectives, and misinformation and disinformation.
Identifying why misinformation spreads is a key aspect in understanding its prevalence. Emotional content, trusted sources such as family and friends, algorithms and personal biases all influence how false information is shared, spread and believed.
It’s important to keep in mind that responding to misinformation is not about proving people wrong but about maintaining your relationships by asking respectful questions and encouraging critical thinking. Strategies such as listening with curiosity, finding common ground, exploring evidence together and introducing reliable information gradually are incredibly important practical approaches.
Simple points for verifying online information, such as identifying the source, recognising clickbait, considering who benefits and checking whether information can be substantiated, are all key steps in making informed decisions before sharing content. This is a practical way to teach objective assessment in communities while maintaining respect between those who share different opinions.
Overall, the webinar reinforced that building resilient communities requires more than correcting false information. Strengthening social connections, promoting respectful conversations and encouraging critical thinking are essential to reducing the impact of misinformation and fostering greater trust within our communities.