27 February 2023

Accurate information saves lives in times of natural disasters, earthquakes and crises.
 

In natural disasters, a lot of information is shared quickly. People can share this information in good faith to help.
 

Unconfirmed information;
 

  • May increase anxiety and panic.
     
  • It may cause misdirection.
     
  • It may negatively affect the effective use of resources.
     
  • The fact that the information shared on WhatsApp and other media channels has been shared many times does not indicate that it is correct.
     

We can apply a five-step filter for this:
 

  • Who created it?
     
  • Where is it directed from?
     
  • Why was it shared?
     
  • What is it using to get my attention?
     
  • What does someone else understand that is different from my understanding?
     

There are types of information disorganisation; not all misinformation is intentional. It may have been produced for different reasons in the days we live in;
 

  • Mesinformation is unintentional and unintentional misconceptions.
     
  • Disinformation is completely manufactured or deliberately manipulated audiovisual content. It may be deliberately produced conspiracy theories or rumours.
     
  • Malinformation is the publication of private information for personal and company benefit rather than public interest.
     
  • During natural disasters and crises, we encounter a lot of suspicious information.
     

These include
 

  • Photographs shared claiming to be from the scene of the incident
     
  • Click traps
     
  • Whastapp messages
     
  • Official documents allegedly leaked
     
  • There may be distorted data.
     
  • When we encounter such suspicious information, we can pay attention to the following:
     
  • Does it appeal directly to our emotions?
     
  • Are there links such as "Flash statement!" "Historical decision!"?
     
  • Does it invite us to share more?
     
  • Are there expressions such as "Warning!" "Confidential!" or spelling mistakes (especially in WhatsApp groups)?
     
  • Official letters with top-secret and personalised wording?