Ep. #16: Disinformation: we can't avoid it, so now what?

On this episode, Antoinette and Lucas explore the disinformation that bad actors are spreading about coronavirus, and what all of us can do to combat it.

We start by looking at the differences between misinformation and disinformation, and recount our own experiences falling for, or dealing with people who have fallen for, false material. We also recommend this must-read Twitter thread from Andy Slavitt on how the Trump administration will try to discredit scientists in the coming days and weeks.

Next we explore the debunked "Plandemic" video that was going around recently. In understanding why the video was convincing to some people, we found this Tara Haelle piece from Forbes, "Why It's Important to Push Back on 'Plandemic' - And How To Do It," especially helpful. Haelle's piece also has some excellent advice for how to talk to friends or family who have fallen for a conspiracy theory.

Also useful in understanding 'Plandemic': this Science Magazine piece, which fact-checked and debunked multiple claims in the video.

So what can we do to combat disinformation? In addition to the Tara Haelle piece, which explains both why it's important to push back against disinformation and how to do it effectively, we recommend this excellent ProPublica article by investigative journalist Marshall Allen on the questions he asks to assess mis- and disinformation. This Atlantic story has additional suggestions for countering false claims.

Our calls to action:

1. Speak out. Check out the resources in our episode notes, and the next time you see a friend or family member spreading disinformation on social media, say something.

2. Indivisible Austin has three actions you can take this week to combat disinformation, including pressuring Gov. Abbott to listen to the scientists. All three Indivisible Austin calls to action are here.

Losing your mind with home-schooling? Lucas posted up an activity he used to do with his 7th graders to identify the credibility of different media sources. (It's not like the most fun thing ever but could definitely kill an hour and is useful, too!)

Stay safe out there, and remember: your words matter. If you see disinformation being spread, call it out.

This episode was recorded on Wednesday, May 13, 2020.