The truth is out there

COVID-19 has generated an information – and misinformation – overload. But what people need are updates that are relevant, concise and don’t offer false hope.

Arvanitakis on American politics: Don’t believe the social media hype

Promoting online literacy for young people and demanding social media quickly responds to fake news are worthwhile goals, but they do not deal with the underlying dissatisfaction which allows fake news to take root.

Recovering from “NEWS” Syndrome

COVID-19 has disrupted every aspect of our lives but our hunger for constant updates may cause more stress than reassurance. Relying on trusted sources, and turning off the news every now and then for family time can help us strike a better balance in our lives.

COVID-19 denial is spreading on social media

Governments and health authorities should take steps to tackle the growing pockets of coronavirus denialism within their communities, as a war against this invisible enemy cannot be won if people don’t believe it exists.

Why it’s so hard to fight online misinformation

Before sharing something, think carefully about where it came from. Verify the source and its evidence, double-check with independent other sources, and report suspicious content to the platform directly. Now, more than ever, we need information we can trust.

Fake news in the age of COVID-19

Over the last four years, “fake news” has become an everyday expression, but what effect are misinformation spread by the public and disinformation pushed by hostile states having on our perceptions of COVID-19?

Fake news can be fatal

The deluge of fake news around coronavirus is a pandemic in itself, and if enough fake news consumers act upon the false beliefs or uncertainties being spread, it has the potential to be just as lethal.

The virus of misinformation

Chinese and Russian propaganda which skews the Coronavirus outbreak against the West is being shared and spread by Western conspiracy theorists and threatens to undermine the fight against the disease, as well as rewrite its origins to turn fact into fiction.

Worried yet? 5 ways to manage news consumption

Coronavirus is dominating the headlines and social media feeds, and not all the information out there is true. Relying on trusted, evidence-based sources is the best way to keep informed as the situation develops.

Is trolling freedom of speech?

The internet and social media offer everyone a chance to air their views, but should people’s ability to ‘troll’ others simply to stir up anger be curtailed to protect people from harm?

Another blow to media diversity

AAP has been a bastion of regional coverage, and a vital infusion into increasingly stretched newsrooms. This voice will disappear in June, further diminishing media diversity in Australia, as less original factual news will be produced.

The truth v. good stories

From hashtags to deepfakes, Dr Cameron Edmond from the UNSW Faculty of Art & Design addresses how to navigate the murky waters of online misinformation.