Responding to Political Misinformation

We’re roughly one week from the 2024 elections and already seeing even more misinformation and disinformation than in previous years. With the ability to create convincing deepfakes, synthetic news, and false narratives, the need for factual accuracy has never been more critical. As misinformation spreads rapidly online, knowing how to respond effectively when encountering it is essential.

So, if a friend or loved one is sharing disinformation, how can you respond?

Specific Response to Say:

“I get why that seems credible, but do you know where it actually started?”

Context: 

This response is ideal when someone shares misinformation they’ve found online—whether from TikTok, Reddit, Twitter, or Facebook. Often, when someone cites a viral video or post shared by a high-profile individual, like a congressman or a former security officer, it may appear trustworthy on the surface. However, it’s important to understand where the information originated and how it spread. For example, recent narratives, like the “Trump second shooter” rumor, began in obscure corners of the internet and were later amplified by more prominent figures.

Why It Works: 

In today’s fragmented information environment, people often don’t use traditional search engines to find information. Instead, they might turn to TikTok, Reddit, or even Facebook, where content can be presented without proper context or fact-checking. Saying “did you know where it actually started?” encourages the person to pause and think about the origin of the information they’re repeating. By uncovering the actual source (e.g., a country music artist on TikTok, not a security expert), you can subtly highlight the lack of credibility without directly accusing them of believing something false. This approach also emphasizes the importance of understanding how misinformation spreads across platforms, which helps illustrate that just because something appears trustworthy doesn’t mean it is.

Why It Matters 

“Doing your own research” can often lead people to non-factual corners of the internet, especially when they rely on non-traditional platforms like TikTok or Reddit, or even echo chambers like Facebook groups. This is how misinformation gains credibility—when narratives that start in unverified, low-credibility spaces get amplified by figures with larger followings, such as politicians or influencers. From a PeakMetrics perspective, understanding the propagation of a narrative is critical to debunking it. For instance, tracking how a rumor jumps from TikTok to Telegram, and then to Twitter and Reddit, helps explain why people might mistakenly trust it. The more we can understand where the information comes from, the better equipped we are to challenge it.

Tips on Delivery: 

Use a curious and fact-focused tone when asking, “Do you know where it started?” This opens the door for further conversation without immediately making the person feel like they’ve been misled. Once you’ve highlighted the origin, you can introduce the concept of source credibility. Explain how, in this case, the rumor may have been spread by a well-known figure, but it actually started with a non-credible source. Finally, emphasize that understanding the propagation of a narrative helps uncover the motive behind it, which is crucial in separating fact from fiction.s uncover the motive behind it, which is crucial in separating fact from fiction.

Bonus Insight: Prebunking

You might also mention the concept of prebunking—the idea of addressing likely misinformation before it even starts circulating. It’s common for certain actors or groups to push predictable narratives, especially during elections. By understanding and anticipating these moves, we can get ahead of false narratives and reduce their impact before they go viral. That’s something we’re working on at PeakMetrics. 

By taking these proactive steps and communicating effectively, you can help reduce the spread of political misinformation and ensure that the narratives you engage with are grounded in facts.