Before you go on, an article in the May 8 & May 22, 2021 issue of Science News ran with a cover "Awash in Deception: How science can help us avoid being duped by misinformation." In the lead article titled: "The Battle Against Fake News," Alexandra Witze presents five suggestions on how to debunk bad information. They come from the News Literacy Project (see the above link). How to Debunk: 1. Arm yourself with media literacy skills, at sites such as the News Literacy Project (newslit.org), to better understand how to spot hoax videos and stories. 2. Don't stigmatize people for holding inaccurate beliefs. Show empathy and respect, or you're more likely to alienate your audience than successfully share accurate information. 3. Translate complicated but true ideas into simple messages that are easy to grasp. Videos, graphics and other visual aids can help. 4. When possible, once you provide a factual alternative to the misinformation, explain the underlying fallacies (such as cherry- picking information, a common tactic of climate change deniers. 5. Mobilize when you see misinformation being shared on social media as soon as possible. If you see something, say something. "Misinformation is any information that is incorrect, whether due to error or fake news. "Disinformation is deliberately intended to deceive." "Propaganda is disinformation with a political agenda." Sander van der Linden Social Psychologist University of Cambridge Source: Science News/May 8, 2021 & May 22, 2021 Update: September 22, 2023: This is more important now than ever. Be vigilant and speak in your own way. Love Wins.
In the spirit of how to debunk misinformation and disinformation, I encourage you to examine The Financial Services Forum, The American Accountability Foundation, The Epoch Times, Fox News, and One America Network(OAN), among others, using the media literacy skills taught by the News Literacy Project from #1 above under "How to Debunk." Click on the News Literacy Project link to start your work.
The title to Journey’s song “Don’t Stop Believin'” resonates with me. The lyrics are fine, but the title and the tune are stuck in my head. An ear worm that, to it’s credit helps to cover the tinitus buzzing in my head.
It also helps to keep positive thought and feelings guiding me through each day. A few weeks ago, a member of our church, former judge and tireless advocate for changes in the way juvenile offenders are treated by the state California, spoke to our congregation about her current work to change policy at the state level. She also shared her book of affirmations that she wrote during COVID. The book was written for kids, but I am finding the daily messages a balm to soothe my soul.
I am so thankful for my church and for the people and messages that fill me with positivity and solutions to real issues facing us. After reading and hearing about House Speaker Mike Johnson’s “dead on arrival” line regarding Bi-partisan Senate legislation aimed at getting aid packages to Ukraine and Israel along with dealing with issues at the border with Mexico, I let out a blood curding rant in response that fortunately no one else in this house could hear, except maybe the neighbors (I hope not because it wasn’t a proud moment). It also couldn’t have done my tinitus any good.
Fortunately, I almost immediately reached for the book of affirmations and read today’s message: “I share things with others. Sharing my things with another makes me feel happy inside my heart. I enjoy how sharing allows me to do my part. Sharing isa way to express love and kindness. My life is full of ways to make life visible.”
I started breathing deeply again and began to feel calmness return. I got on the computer and made small donations to two voting rights organizations. Every Monday, I choose two organizations or candidates and give them a small monetary donation. The affirmation reminded me that the best thing that I can do each day is to share goodness with others. It feels so good. I can’t tell you the sense of peace that came over me when I made those donations.
Don’t stop believing that this world is a good place. It has its problems, but it is made up of good places and good people. It is not the irretrievable mess that some would have you believe. After all, you are a part of it and you are good people. Keep spreading goodness and kindness, especially when you experience the opposite. It is the balm “that heals the sin sick soul.”
Thank you for your occasional updates that help put the world’s madness into proper perspective and even more for assisting with my own reactions to said madness.
I’m just one day behind you. My main New Years resolution has been to help preserve democracy every Tuesday, similar to what you’re doing every Monday.
If enough people choose just one day a week to do what we’re doing, I think we can collectively save democracy.
Have always loved this song!!
Appreciate your perspective and action, Bruce. And while we’re donating money to these causes and charities, we should think about donating our time too!