EDITORIAL: Combating social media misinformation is also users' responsibility

In an era when perusing social media feeds has become as commonplace and routine as reading the morning paper once was, discerning the credibility of this media is crucial for users to stay informed on global news.

It is undeniable that social media has transformed the landscape of news dissemination, becoming a primary source of information for many. But this shift raises an essential question: Can these platforms, which function according to a user-specific algorithm, provide an unbiased and accurate representation of events?

This presents a critical challenge: distinguishing between authentic news and content colored by personal opinions or outright misinformation.

In recent years, events such as the Black Lives Matter movement, the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic and the ongoing Israel-Hamas war have shown just how important it is for users to be aware of and be able to identify misinformation.

Activists and influencers often post eye-catching infographics that become widely shared without verification against established news sources. During the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, Facebook spokesperson Raki Wane stated that Facebook and Instagram had removed 12 million posts containing false information about vaccines and the pandemic itself.

The actions of those who do not take the time to properly research their posts only serve to perpetuate the distortion of truth. The illusion of being well-informed may lead users to believe they are immune to misinformation, thinking it is a trap that only others fall into. This overconfidence can lead to a lack of critical engagement with the content.

Social media algorithms only exacerbate this by creating a tailored feed that aligns with the user's existing beliefs and preferences, reinforcing their viewpoints instead of challenging them.

This creates an echo chamber where users are repeatedly exposed to similar viewpoints, limiting their exposure to diverse perspectives and opinions. Algorithmic curation, while keeping users engaged, often traps them in a bubble, making it challenging to encounter or recognize unbiased or varied news sources. 

It is, therefore, crucial that social media users look outside of that bubble in order to curate a broader understanding of the issue at hand.

In light of this, the importance of cross-checking information becomes especially evident. Relying solely on social media for news is akin to viewing the world through a keyhole — a limited and potentially distorted perspective.

Even so, there are certain barriers when it comes to the ability of users to fact-check information. 

Advanced artificial intelligence can now create realistic but entirely fabricated videos, known as deep fakes, further complicating the ability to discern truth from fiction.

In 2019, Facebook faced severe backlash for not removing an edited video that depicted former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) appearing to slur her words as if intoxicated. The clip was further publicized when former President Donald J. Trump posted it on X, formerly known as Twitter, along with the caption, "PELOSI STAMMERS THROUGH NEWS CONFERENCE."

The fact that someone as influential as the former president of the U.S. can be misled highlights the alarming reality that anyone is susceptible to misinformation, demonstrating the critical importance of maintaining a healthy dose of skepticism and ensuring the accuracy of facts before sharing online.

Often, the most reliable and well-researched news is inaccessible to a wide audience. The prevalence of paywalls in reputable news outlets drives people toward free but less reliable sources, like extremist YouTube podcasts. These podcasts or videos lead to the spread of sensationalist or unverified content, further demonstrating the need to break through the bubble of confirmation bias that social media algorithms provide.

While it is easy to dismiss all social media as harmful, this overlooks certain realities. Many social media platforms offer accessibility features such as text-to-speech or image descriptions, which can be helpful for users with visual impairments or reading difficulties.

Social media is also indispensable for empowering voices and promoting transparency. In countries where the media is under strict government control, social media provides a channel for real-time, unfiltered news.

The democratization of information becomes especially crucial during times of political unrest, natural disasters or human rights violations, where official narratives may not reflect the reality on the ground. The viral video of the murder of George Floyd, for example, inspired millions to support the Black Lives Matter movement.

The global reach of social media means that local events can gain international attention, leading to greater awareness and, in some cases, intervention or support.

This highlights the dynamic nature of social media: Yes, it is a space fraught with challenges, but it is also essential in its ability to empower voices and promote transparency in parts of the world where such freedoms are restricted.

Users must approach social media with a critical eye and a commitment to cross-checking information. The responsibility is twofold: Platforms need to improve their algorithms and fact-checking mechanisms, and users must actively seek out diverse and reliable sources.

In an increasingly digitized world, media literacy is not just beneficial but essential for informed citizenship and the preservation of healthy, democratic discourse.

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The Daily Targum's editorials represent the views of the majority of the 155th editorial board. Columns, cartoons and letters do not necessarily reflect the views of the Targum Publishing Company or its staff.