In the digital age, distinguishing truth from fiction is more challenging than ever. 

With the presidential election approaching, misinformation and disinformation are proliferating across various media platforms. The decline of newspapers, traditionally dedicated to fact-checking, has coincided with the rise of social media, which is more focused on influencing voters and generating revenue than providing objective information.

The magnitude of the problem cannot be underestimated. Research from 2016 by the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences warned that digital misinformation is “so pervasive in social media to the extent that it has been listed by the World Economic Forum as one of the main threats to our society.” 

This trend undermines public trust in government and threatens democratic processes reliant on transparency and accountability. Misinformation misleads, manipulates, confuses and divides us. 

As voters, it’s crucial to identify unreliable media sources and expand critical thinking to make informed decisions.

HOW TO SPOT MIS- & DISINFORMATION

• Be skeptical: Does it seem too extreme to be true? We live in wild times, but if it sounds unbelievable, it probably is.
• Cross-check sources: Relying on a single news outlet can be risky. Verify information by consulting multiple trusted sources.
• Watch for emotional triggers: Real news can be upsetting, but disinformation often exploits our emotions to spark outrage and division. Be cautious of content that aims to provoke.

HOW TO STOP THE SPREAD

• Share accurate information: Become a trustworthy informant and refrain from sharing misinformation, even to debunk it. Spreading the “bad” can inadvertently amplify it.
• Identify trustworthy sources: Official government sites (ending in .gov) are typically reliable, but don’t stop there. Look at peer-reviewed scholarly articles and news outlets that consistently cite their sources.
• Correct misinformation respectfully: Be a credible source within your network. If someone shares inaccurate information, address it with kindness and respect. Begin by offering the correct information privately. If that approach doesn’t work, publicly share accurate information without being emotional or rude.

Governments combat misinformation through media literacy programs and legislation like Colorado’s SB24-084, which tasks the attorney general with fighting misinformation, promoting open discussions on national issues, and examining its spread across digital platforms. This law also reviews relevant legal frameworks to support these efforts.

However, fighting misinformation isn’t just a top-down effort. We must all work together to promote a culture where facts matter and critical thinking is valued.

Janine Reid & Patrice Schell are with the League of Women Voters of the Uncompahgre Valley. For more insights on mis- and disinformation, check out LWV-UV.org and explore trusted sites like Vote411.org and FactCheck.org for non-partisan, factual information on political and policy issues.