“A lie can travel halfway around the world while the truth is still putting its boots on.” This famous quote, often attributed to Mark Twain, highlights the power of misinformation in today’s digital age.
With the rise of social media platforms like Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok, disinformation has become a prevalent issue, especially during times of conflict.
In the wake of the recent Israel-Hamas conflict, the internet has been flooded with disinformation spread by partisans and bots on both sides.
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According to a study conducted by Cyabra, a Tel Aviv-based disinformation detection firm, a quarter of all accounts posting about the war were fake, and their posts have been seen over half a billion times.
However, amidst the chaos, there is hope. Users are fighting back and educating each other to combat the spread of lies. To effectively fight disinformation, we must all be vigilant and proactive. Here are some of the fastest-traveling fictions that emerged in the first few days of the conflict:
- An account on Twitter with a quarter-million followers and a Palestinian flag in its profile shared a video purportedly showing Israeli helicopters being blasted by rockets. However, the video was actually a clip from the video game Arma 3. Despite being debunked, the tweet has garnered 10 million views and remains online.
- A TikTok video with the caption “Israeli attack begins,” featuring a clip from Arma 3, spread on Twitter through multiple accounts. It gained traction and reached a wide audience before being debunked.
- Elon Musk, the owner of Twitter, recommended two accounts known for posting antisemitic tweets as sources for news on the conflict. These accounts had previously spread disinformation about a nonexistent explosion at the White House. Musk later deleted his recommendation tweet without providing any comment.
- A Twitter user from Malaysia, Ian Miles Cheong, shared a video claiming that “Hamas is going from house to house, butchering the people inside.” However, the video clearly depicted Israeli police entering a home. Cheong’s tweet gained over 12 million views before it was deleted.
- An alleged “investigative journalist” and blogger falsely claimed that Israel had bombed an ancient church in Gaza. However, the church itself took to Facebook to debunk the rumor, stating that the news was nothing more than baseless rumors. Despite the clarification, the original tweet received over 3 million views without being corrected or removed.
These examples illustrate the pervasive nature of disinformation during times of conflict. It is crucial for individuals to verify information before sharing it and to rely on credible sources for news updates. Here are some steps you can take to fight disinformation:
- Verify the source: Before sharing any news or information, ensure that it comes from a credible and trustworthy source. Fact-checking websites can help you determine the accuracy of the information.
- Be cautious of sensationalism: Misinformation often thrives on sensational headlines or content. Take a moment to critically analyze the information before accepting it as true.
- Report and flag false information: Most social media platforms have mechanisms in place to report and flag false or misleading content. By reporting such content, you contribute to creating a safer online environment.
- Spread awareness: Educate your friends, family, and social media followers about the dangers of disinformation. Encourage them to be critical thinkers and to question the information they encounter.
- Support fact-checking organizations: Organizations dedicated to fact-checking play a crucial role in combating disinformation. Consider supporting them through donations or sharing their work.
Last night, we saw a totally false claim about Israel bombing a church in Gaza go viral, thanks to multiple blue tick accounts repeating an unverified claim that had no evidence to back it up. Musk has created a fundamental issue with Twitter's credibility in moments of crisis. https://t.co/T70G2oNDZH
— Eliot Higgins (@EliotHiggins) October 10, 2023
By actively participating in the fight against disinformation, we can help create a more informed and responsible digital society. Together, let’s put our boots on and stand against the spread of lies.
