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The guest speaker clarified the definition of news as verifiable information in public interest, and she explained that the mainstream term “fake news” is inappropriate because it contradicts the very meaning of news.
She introduced three proper terms students can use instead: misinformation, false information that is spread without knowledge of its veracity; disinformation, deliberately misleading content created to deceive; and malinformation, actual facts used to inflict harm on others. Ms. Patty explained, “Fake news is not really enough as a term to encapsulate all of these three categories.”
Ms. Patty gave seven possible sources of these three kinds of false information, such as satire and parody, misleading content, and false context. She presented ways Monarchs can avoid misinformation that included factchecking posts, following legitimate sources of news, using online verification tools, and warning family and friends.
The guest speaker emphasized that students should do their own research first before sharing to avoid wrongly informing people.
As the webinar concluded, SEC anticipated that Monarchs can actively use their newly-learned knowledge in curbing the spread of false information in today’s social media-centric world. Club Public Relations
Officer
Gabriel emphasized in her closing remarks, “After attending this webinar, we hope that you can all apply everything you’ve learned, and join us as we spot and stop fake news.”
The webinar wrapped up with a question and answer session from the audience. Answering the inquiry of why people have a liking for spreading false information, Ms. Patty remarked that while there are trolls paid to spread misleading content on social media, there are others who are simply disinformed by the posts they see.
When asked how students can convince their older relatives not to believe in false information, she emphasized how one shouldn’t make an emotionally-charged response and should explain to their relatives in a rational manner, or else they would further close themselves from believing correct information. Ms. Patty told the audience, “Don’t be emotional, don’t attack them, find a common ground.”
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Matthew is a tenthgrader, resident Southville student, and sixth-time Mover staff member. Not only does he aim for his writing to spread words of information, but also provide topical insight for the ever-curious reader.
Sophia is a Grade 9 student with a love for books and music. She also enjoys writing essays for school and writing about the books she reads. She also likes spending time with her friends and meeting new people. She is someone who continually wants to improve on herself and always wants to learn more.