Graphic showing a computer screen with the text fake news on it.

Disinformation in the Digital Age: Practical Tips for Young People

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Acknowledgement

It is important to acknowledge that disinformation is not a new phenomenon. In so-called Australia, the myth of Terra Nullius falsely claimed the land was “empty” and unowned, justifying the dispossession of Indigenous peoples and the denial of their sovereignty. This led to the violent seizure of land, destruction of cultural practices, and exclusion of First Nations from legal and political systems.

Introduction

If medieval towns had Wi-Fi, they would have probably looked a lot like social media today; packed with loud opinions, passing rumours, and the occasional self-appointed town crier going viral.

In today’s digital world where misinformation spreads faster than ever, young people are playing a vital role in combatting disinformation.

This article aims to help young people sharpen their critical thinking, navigate the online world with confidence, and take action to protect their communities against false and misleading content.

Definitions

Disinformation

Disinformation is the intentional spread of false or misleading information with an intent to deceive and/or to cause harm.

Misinformation

Misinformation is the sharing of false or misleading information without malicious intent.

Types of Disinformation

Source: Disinformation and 7 Common Forms of Information Disorder

Why do People Spread Disinformation?

People spread disinformation for various reasons, often to manipulate, deceive, or gain an advantage.

Politically, it is used to discredit opponents, sway public opinion, or polarise societies, while financially, it generates revenue through clickbait or fraud. Some spread disinformation to promote ideologies, recruit followers, or destabilise communities by undermining trust in institutions.

Others intentionally pollute the information landscape with conflicting narratives to confuse the public, making it harder to discern truth from lies, which fosters apathy or distrust in reliable sources.

For example, during the 2023 Voice Referendum in Australia, the conservative “No” campaign flooded the information landscape with conflicting messages, misleading content and mis- and disinformation. This approach created confusion rather than clarity, leaving many voters feeling unsure and uninformed. The campaign’s slogan, “If you don’t know, vote no,” captured this strategy, which encouraged uncertainty rather than promoting critical engagement or understanding.

What you can do

Disinformation is running rampant in online spaces; on social media platforms, in group chats, and viral videos. But the good news is, we can do something about it.

Before you hit share, pause for a second. Disinformation thrives on speed, especially when we repost without checking the facts.

These simple questions can help you slow down, spot red flags, and make informed decisions online:

1. Who is sharing this news?

Is it a person or organisation you trust? Are they known for spreading accurate info, or have they been caught out before? If you don’t recognise the source, it’s worth digging deeper.

2. Is this a reliable source?

Look beyond the headline. Are there facts, evidence, or links to back it up? Do other trusted sources say the same thing? A legit story usually has receipts.

3. Why might they be sharing this news?

What’s the tone; does it try to shock you, make you angry, or illicit an emotional response? That’s a common tactic in misinformation. Consider the emotions it’s trying to trigger and how that could be impacting on your cognition.

4. What impact is it trying to have on me?

Is it trying to influence your opinion, encourage you to act, or get you to buy into a particular belief system? When you become aware of that intention, you have more power to choose your response.

5. What is their agenda?

Does this post support a political view, company, or cause? Are they being transparent about their motivations or hiding them behind flashy content?

6. Who could this harm?

Consider whether the post might fuel hate, misinformation, or stigma? Would sharing it put someone at risk, especially marginalised community? Real harm can come from a single click.

Practise Critical Thinking

One of the most effective ways to disrupt the spread of disinformation is by sharpening our critical thinking skills. The more thoughtfully we engage with the content we encounter, the less likely we are to become unwitting participants in the disinformation machine.

1. Beware of confirmation bias

Confirmation bias operates on an unconscious level. It is when we are more likely to believe or share something that fits our existing beliefs, and ignore or reject what does not. Our worldview shapes how we process information, so being aware of this bias is a powerful first step.

2. The world isn’t black and white: embrace nuance and complexity

Social media loves hot takes and clear-cut sides, but real issues are far more complex. Embracing grey areas and asking deeper questions can make you a stronger, more thoughtful thinker.

3. Let go of the need to be right

No one gets it right all the time. Try stepping into someone else’s shoes, especially when you disagree.

4. Check your sources

Sometimes content is not trying to inform, it is trying to manipulate. Try asking yourself: who benefits from me believing or sharing this?

How you can Support Others

We can all play a role in stopping the spread of disinformation. By supporting friends, family, and your community, you can help prevent disinformation taking a hold and instead build stronger, more informed communities.

Debunking and Mythbusting

A common approach to addressing the spread of disinformation online is through debunking and mythbusting.

Debunking

Debunking is the act of exposing or disproving false or misleading information. This involves providing evidence or facts that contradict the claim, often after the misinformation has already spread.

Mythbusting

Similar to debunking, mythbusting involves exposing widely held beliefs or misconceptions that are not based on facts. It often involves addressing myths in an entertaining or engaging way, typically to educate the public or challenge popular but false ideas.

Limitations

It is important to recognise that there are several limitations associated with debunking and mythbusting.

Firstly, by repeating false claims, even if you intend on rebutting them, you can inadvertently reinforce those claims in individuals’ minds. Debunking can also unintentionally introduce misleading information to new audiences who had not previously encountered it, thereby amplifying the spread of misinformation rather than containing it. In addition, prioritising the correction of myths may divert time and resources away from the development and promoting of compelling, values-based narratives.

Fact Check Like a Detective

When it comes to factchecking Google is your best friend. However, it is still important to cross-check information using multiple resources and to check the legitimacy of the resources you are using. Also, be wary of the automatic AI generated response at the top of the Google page – it is always important to cross-check AI generated content.

You can also use existing factchecking platforms such as;

@mediawise

Teen fact-checker Zephy uses the “Three Questions” and finds there’s no definitive evidence that proves caffeine helps people with ADHD calm down and focus. If you see a scientific claim online, slow down and take a closer look! #TFCN #factcheck #caffeine #adhd

♬ original sound – MediaWise

Having Persuasive Conversations

The chances are you have already seen a friend or family member share something online that just doesn’t seem right. Maybe it is a conspiracy theory, misleading stats, or a meme that spreads harmful ideas. As someone they trust, you are in a good position to start a conversation, but these chats can be challenging. Here are a few tips to help you approach these conversations:

1. Stay Open-Minded

The goal is not to “win” – it is to open up space for discussion and reflection. It is important to go into the conversation with an open-mind.

2. Listen Actively

Do not interrupt or immediately try to correct what they are saying. Sometimes people just want to feel heard before they are open to shifting their perspective.

3. Practice Empathy

Consider how their fears, experiences or hopes might be shaping their opinion. Expressing empathy can help build trust.

4. Be Patient

Changing someone’s mind takes time. It might not happen in one conversation and that is okay.

5. Be Respectful

Avoid sarcasm or making fun of the other person as this can make them dig in deeper rather than reconsider their views.

6. Avoid Shaming or Taking Over

If you dominate the conversation or try to embarrass them, it will likely backfire. Approach the conversation as a dialogue, not a debate.

7. Know Your Stuff

Before jumping in, make sure you have done your research and understand the topic. You do not need to be an expert, but it is helpful to be clear about what you are talking about.

For more on persuasive conversations see:

Creating Effective Content Through Storytelling

We all know the Right is dominating much of the public conversation. Which why it is crucial for Progressives to claim space in the information landscape. Storytelling is one of the most powerful ways to do this.

Storytelling is an effective means to:

  1. Present accurate information on important topics.
  2. Counteract misinformation with personal experiences and verified facts.
  3. Engage your peers with relatable, truthful narratives.
  4. Help fill social media feeds with credible content, potentially drowning out disinformation.

For more on story-based strategy see:

Creating Coalitions

No matter what social justice or environmental issue you are fighting for, disinformation is affecting all of us. This almost means that you are not alone. We are all stronger when we work together, so instead of facing the disinformation machine in isolation, seek out organisations and movements confronting similar challenges.

By pooling resources and forming coalitions, we can build collective power and more effectively push back.

An effective example of this can be found in Europe with the European Misinformation Response Coalition is a collaborative effort to combat misinformation, particularly during critical electoral periods. It operates by pooling expertise and resources from various organisations, institutions and fact-checking bodies it order to create coordinated campaigns to combat disinformation in Europe.

Watch Videos

Watch video series by the Commons library that breaks down how false and misleading content spreads online and what you can do about it. Explore the tactics used to twist the truth, and give you important tools to spot and stop disinformation in your feed.

Final Tips

Disinformation isn’t new — it has been around for a long time and the reality is it is not going away anytime soon. But there are steps you can take to protect yourself and your community.

Here are a few final tips I will leave you with…

1. Check The Source

This is arguably one of the most important points. Always verify information before sharing to avoid spreading misinformation.

2. Do Not Feed The Algorithm

Avoid engaging with harmful content – even to rebut their points – as interactions can boost its reach.

3. Have a Group Plan

If you are in a group, decide how you’ll respond to disinformation together.

4. Remember You Know Your Community Best

Trust your understanding of your environment, the people around you, and the challenges your community faces.

Use these tools and insights to navigate disinformation in ways that make sense for you and your community.

Together, we can build stronger, more informed, and resilient communities.

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