Preventing Deception from Misinformation and Artificially Generated Images on Social Media

Preventing Deception from Misinformation and Artificially Generated Images on Social Media

Rachel| Reading time: 3 mins 40 secs

In today’s digital age, it can be challenging to navigate breaking news online due to the prevalence of misinformation and the rapid spread of information through social media. To help you discern what to trust, what not to share, and what to flag to tech companies, here are some essential tools and practices to employ when consuming breaking news online

Understand Why Misinformation Exists

Consider who would benefit from spreading confusing information during a news event. Be aware of specific narratives being circulated, particularly during events like elections. Look out for conflicting information, conspiracy theories, baseless accusations, and unfounded concerns that may favor a particular political party or candidate. Pause and conduct further research if something feels too outrageous or satisfying, regardless of whether it aligns with your views or not.

Take Your Time

Avoid hastily sharing information without proper verification. Social media platforms encourage quick sharing, but it’s crucial to slow down and confirm the authenticity of the news before spreading it. Assume everything is suspect until you have confirmed its accuracy.

Scrutinize The Source

Don’t blindly trust “verified” accounts, as even well-known individuals or organizations can spread inaccurate information. Examine who is sharing the information. If it’s from friends or family, unless they are personally on the ground or confirmed experts, be skeptical. Dig back to find the original source of the information by tracing it back to the first Facebook, YouTube, or Twitter account that shared it. Be cautious of screenshots or posts that evoke strong emotional reactions, as disinformation often exploits such responses.

Rely On Trusted Sources

Instead of individually vetting every account, rely on reputable mainstream news organizations that have established processes for fact-checking and verifying information. Utilize dedicated news tools like Apple News, Google News, or Yahoo News, which curate content from reliable sources. Create or find lists of vetted experts and news outlets to follow on social media specifically for news related to the topic you’re interested in.

Spot AI-Generated Images

Artificial intelligence (AI) tools can generate deceptive images, but there are ways to identify them. Look closely at hands, as AI software may generate hands with abnormalities. Examine inanimate objects in the image, such as eyeglasses or signs, for any flaws or inconsistencies. Pay attention to the background, as AI-generated images may have blurry or distorted details. Also, be wary of images that appear overly glossy or stylistically manipulated.

Verify Videos And Images

For unverified videos, scrutinize them for multiple edits, odd cuts, and discrepancies in audio. Consider using third-party tools like InVid to check the authenticity of videos. To verify suspicious images, perform a reverse image search using Google’s image search. This can reveal if the image has circulated before and provide additional context.

Utilize Fact-Checking Sites And Tools

Many social media platforms have their own fact-checking tools and warning labels, but they may not catch every problematic post. Keep an eye out for content warnings and labels on social media.

Conclusion

By employing these tools and practices, you can better navigate the digital landscape and make informed decisions about the news you consume and share.