The COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in increased isolations and for many, an inordinate amount of time is devoted to social media. Hours are spent scrolling through posts, advertisements, sponsored content, newsfeeds, or just looking for appealing content to enthral the senses. Indeed, the phenomenon of social media has captivated the world, and it is a multimillion-dollar empire which has propelled careers to unimaginable heights.
Consumers are bombarded with information from a myriad of social media sites such as Facebook, YouTube, Twitter, Instagram, TikTok and Snapchat. Suffice it to say that the readership of traditional sources of news like newspapers and magazines has declined. This is because people are more inclined to learn about the world around them through the interactive platforms of social media. It is no wonder therefore, that in order to conciliate a seemingly insatiable appetite, we are often fed with misinformation and may inadvertently be perpetuators of fabricated content.
Fabricated online information is problematic and sometimes it is difficult to realize that we have been manipulated to produce a desired reaction. The adage that ‘seeing is believing’ cannot always be taken literally, because we now have to contend with the pervasive use of doctored content, such as what obtains in digital media. For example, there are numerous photo and video editing apps which can be used to manipulate data. Moreover, a sensational video will garner millions of views, likes and shares in a matter of seconds, with most of the viewers failing to authenticate its accuracy. Some of these videos are indeed hilarious and although some of us may laugh uncontrollably at the depictions, we are cognizant of the alterations which have been made. What about those among us who lack the skills to differentiate between authentic data and that which is truly deceptive?
The comments section is where readers publicly engage with content and other comments from fellow readers. It is evident that based on some of the responses from readers or viewers, the original version was never seen or read. Quite often, people present their opinions as ‘facts’ which can be easily refuted or debunked. Therefore, it is imperative to differentiate between facts and opinions and not succumb to the fallacy that when someone writes, or speaks emphatically on an issue, that individual is ‘preaching’ facts.
Furthermore, we need to possess the ability to make critical judgments about information. Sometimes, the superficial analysis of information jeopardizes our decisions. To use the analogy of the Pied Piper, we are hypnotized by what we hear and like the rats, we blindly follow the piper whose alluring melody leads to our demise. Unsurprisingly, individuals have suffered dire consequences, because they have fallen prey to unreliable information.
The question is therefore, how do we safeguard ourselves from the conundrum created by content creators on social media, whose communicative intention is to toy with our emotions, gain recognition and followers, or simply to ensure that our views align with theirs? Undoubtedly, cultivating some form of media literacy will assist us in making the right decisions, while simultaneously ensuring that we are not victims of biased posturing.
1. Examine the publication dates as opposed to the posting dates: Sometimes old posts are resuscitated to elicit an emotional response which may or may not be relevant to the current situation.
2. Seek out credible sources: Conduct further investigations; do not rely on only one source. If persons are presenting statistical data, ask yourself, what are the citations? What is the source of this information? Is there any evidence to corroborate this assertion? Remember, there are usually two sides to a story.
3. Share information from websites that are legitimate and secure. Many people share personal information with dubious websites and are unaware that their data may have been compromised. It is important to verify these sites, for security purposes. For example, the URL of a secure website will begin with ‘https’ as opposed to ‘http’. Additionally, be wary of spelling or grammatical errors; the content of a trustworthy and professional website would reflect the conventions of the language.
4. Make informed decisions about social or political issues. Entities may present information which suits their narrative based on a vested interest in a specific issue. The onus is on the consumers (of information) to ensure that they are not coerced into making impulsive choices which may be detrimental to their overall wellbeing.
5. Read, Read, Read: We are living in a digital age and information travels the world at record speed. In the quest to keep abreast with everything that is happening, meticulous attention is not given to reading. Instead, headlines are scanned and judgements are immediately and decisively made. However, reading allows one to gain a different perspective and critically reflect on the issues at hand. As we continue to immerse ourselves in this inescapable phenomenon, let us exercise caution because seeing, and should I add hearing, is not always believing.