Tuesday, June 10, 2025

Making Sense of Information

Washington, DC – We are bombarded with information through a myriad of communication channels daily from various sources. Sometimes it can be hard to determine fact from fiction. Deceptive information is on the rise, and the public must decide what is good and bad information.

While there are a few things we should pay attention to, to discern if we are reading misinformation or disinformation, we must first understand the difference between the two types.

According to The Union of Concerned Scientists, misinformation and disinformation are different. It is about the intent behind the spread of information. Misinformation is unknowingly sharing bad information. Disinformation is the willful attempt to spread bad or false information.

The United Nations has begun the #PledgetoPause Campaign to help the public make sense of the information ecosystem. This campaign asks before you share content on social media platforms to consider these points:

  • WHO made it?
  • WHAT is the source?
  • WHERE did it come from?
  • WHY are you sharing this?
  • WHEN was it published?

“The things we share online can spread like wildfire, and a small share can have big consequences,” according to the UN campaign’s website.

“Join us in our mission to tackle misinformation and encourage your followers across your social channels to take care before they share.”’

When reading information to determine if it is good or not, we must do some critical analysis. Some things to examine as we read are:

  • What is the emotion the writer is trying to elicit in you? Are they trying to stir up an emotion in you to get you to react to their point of view?
  • What is the logical approach they are taking to rationalize with the audience? Does it match your worldview based on one of the other two elements of emotion or ethics?
  • What ethical approach do they use to try and align their point with your set of values? Do they try to convince you of a point by appealing to your value set?

Balance your own critical analysis with the information you are reading before you share. It is essential to make sense of the information for yourself to stop misinformation and disinformation. 

 

Author profile
Sebastian G. Warren

Sebastian is a Senior Communication Practitioner with more than 23 years of multi-level experience in strategic communication planning, writing, public affairs, and leadership. He serves as the Chair of the International Association of Business Communicators (IABC) Heritage Region.

- Advertisement -spot_img
- Advertisement -spot_img
- Advertisement -spot_img

Latest news

America: From Shining City to Shuttered Door

WASHINGTON - I live in Baltimore. It is a unique place. Whole sections transport one into the Colonial times...

Dialogue or Deadlock? What Lee Jae-Myung’s Victory Means for Inter-Korean Ties

NEW DELHI - In a snap election held on June 3, Lee Jae-myung of the liberal opposition Democratic Party...

Thailand Eyes Growth Revival, But Long-Term Competitiveness Still in Question

BANGKOK — Thailand is on track for a modest economic recovery in 2025, with growth expected to reach 2.9%,...

EU On Track for 54% Emissions Cut by 2030, Sets Sights on 90% by 2040

Compiled by Mitchell Beer The European Union is “well on track” toward its goal of reducing its climate pollution 55%...
- Advertisement -spot_img
- Advertisement -spot_img

Coral Reefs Face an Uncertain Recovery From the 4th Global Mass Bleaching Event – Can Climate Refuges Help?

Noam Vogt-Vincent, University of Hawaii Tropical reefs might look like inanimate rock, but these colorful seascapes are built by tiny...

Hegseth Outlines U.S. Vision for Indo-Pacific, Addresses China Threat

While delivering plenary remarks at a Singaporean security summit today, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth outlined to numerous Asian ally...

Must read

Hope in Ashes: Bangladesh’s Hindus Face a Silent Ethnic Cleansing

WASHINGTON, DC - On May 22, 2025, in Bareda...

UN Experts Condemn Charges Against Istanbul Bar Leaders as Attack on Legal Independence

GENEVA — United Nations human rights experts on Friday...