While rescue efforts continue in the aftermath of the sudden deadly floods in central Texas, the border between facts and fiction is vague while some try to explain the tragedy.
Disinformation and conspiracy theories tend to prosper as a result of natural disasters, because people are looking for updates in the midst of a changing landscape. “This creates this fruitful field to spread disinformation, because people are so attentive, trying to find more information, trying to find more context, and who opens the way to malicious actors, or simply people who are perhaps not as educated on this subject, to knowingly or unconsciously share the lies”.
False information may have an impact on the ability of individuals to receive the help they need in the event of a disaster. In the aftermath of Hurricane Helene last fall, false information on the payments of the help of FEMA and the assistance was widespread to sow confusion as to the assistance to the victims to which were entitled. Disinformation can also create confusion or risks of sensationalization tragedy. After the forest fires in Los Angeles in January, false images showed the Hollywood sign on fire – although the area was not on fire. Acting on conspiracy theories, meanwhile, can endanger people. Currently, false affirmations that the sowing of the clouds has triggered the floods of Texas leads to violence.
How to identify a conspiracy theory
In the wake of natural disasters, it is important to be on the lookout for disinformation – and experts say that there are advice that you can use to better identify and prevent the spread of false information.
Find out more: What made Texas floods so devastating?
First, it is important to criticize in a critical way of the information you see and to whom it publishes it before amplifying it, says Walter: “Slow down. Take your time. Really try to read and engage with the information. ” Research shows that most people share links on social networks without reading them first.
Build a list of sources you trust and see if the information you find online has been confirmed by these approved sources.
“I encourage people to, over time, to cultivate a relationship with media specific to which they trust and trust them, instead of simply picking up the something that someone tweeted,” explains Walter.
If you are looking for up-to-date information, turn to experts before counting on people who publish on social networks, if local news or officials in the region. “Look at what the real experts say, rather than counting dubious publications on social networks,” explains Michael Mann, director of the Penn Center for Science, Sustainability and the Media and Co-author of Science Under Siege.
Find out more: Experts wonder if the meteorological service operated at its best before the floods in Texas in the middle of Trump cuts
Ask yourself a few simple questions before sharing information you see on the internet. “Does it really happen?” Can you… see who is the original source of this information, or is it just comments? ” said Walter. “Because often, especially while the news break, you will see that there is no real source [on many social media posts]. They do not refer to something in the real world. It’s just completely invented. And remember, if it seems too good – or bad – to be true, it’s probably.
While the content generated by artificial intelligence becomes more common, experts warn that tactics for disinformation dissemination will only become more sophisticated and more difficult to catch. “All of this is very preliminary,” says Walter. “It is as if we are trying to capture a motion target which, frankly, becomes a little more sophisticated by escaping us all the time.”
