By Linda Fisher Thornton
The Top Post Series for last year on the Leading in Context Blog reflected the ethical challenges of dealing with misinformation during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Truth and Misinformation: How To Spot False Narratives
This series addressed the fine points of how to tell the difference between a false narrative and a message that is true. Here’s a highlight quote from each post in the series that provides an overview.
Truth and Misinformation: How To Spot False Narratives (Part 1)
“Creators of misinformation and false narrative will not want you to look beyond the statements made. Their power lies in the reader’s blind trust. In contrast, sources advocating objective truth will encourage you to learn about an issue so that you can see the situation and the value of the proposed solution for yourself.”
Truth and Misinformation: How to Spot False Narratives (Part 2)
“Misinformation and false narrative rely on raw intimidation power (and not truth power). Look for truth power that stands on its own merits and doesn’t need to attack to deflect attention.”
Truth and Misinformation: How to Spot False Narratives (Part 3)
“Misinformation relies on people having an emotional reaction and immediately sharing information with others without taking the time to evaluate its credibility.“
It is clearly our job to stay literate as misinformation becomes more sophisticated and harder to spot. Use these insights to improve your awareness and your ability to spot false narratives.
Note: The second most popular Leading in Context Blog series of 2020 was: 5 Ethical Dimensions of IoT Leadership .
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