Misinformationitis

In today's digital age, accessing health information presents a double-edged sword. On one hand, it grants unparalleled access to verified facts, swiftly reaching those in need. But when misleading or false information takes root and spreads it can cause real world harm, posing challenges to health and wellbeing. 

What's the difference between mis and dis information? 

Very important distinctions from @brianwong_:

📍 Misinformation = false or inaccurate information spread without intent to cause harm
📍 Disinformation = false or inaccurate information spread *with* intent to cause harm#whsmelbourne2024

— VicHealth (@VicHealth) April 24, 2024

How do we combat this? 

Digital access and digital literacy are crucial. 

We need to provide young people with access to reliable information and safe digital environments. But we also need to teach them how to be discerning in these spaces. 

“The school system will need to be very agile in uplifting digital literacy.” says Brett Sutton @CSIRO in the face of fast developments of #AI technologies like deepfakes and voice cloning. #WHSMelbourne2024 pic.twitter.com/FUofQToxCU

— World Health Summit (@WorldHealthSmt) April 24, 2024

There’s a pressing need for collaboration between influencers and content creators, media agencies, and governments to make this happen.

How can everyone in this information ecosystem - digital platforms, governments and their agencies - do a better job of catering to the diverse needs and requirements of different communities?

• Pre-bunking or educating young people in schools about the pathways of misinformation and disinformation
• Showing where health information is sourced from
• Building relationships to ensure credible sources are collaborating with those who are creating content
• Regulating digital platforms to prioritise the public good
• Uplifting engaging platforms and involving communities in co-creating digital spaces

.@brianwong_ 's tips for avoiding misinformation, including:
📍 curate your feed. Follow people who are speaking to reality.
📍 Follow the sources (@zaraseidler1 's Daily Aus sends out the original link in their daily newsletter)#whsmelbourne2024

— VicHealth (@VicHealth) April 24, 2024

It's so important for companies who hold power in the social and digital space to understand trust is a social determinant of health and that they have influence over that. Repairing lost trust means taking accountability for past shortcomings while not expecting or demanding anything in return. 

Dr Brian Li Han Wong describes a 5C framework:

• Consider investigating the sources of the content you access.
• Crosscheck facts - don’t just take things at face value.
• Curate your own feed – follow a good mix of trusted public channels, influencers, media agencies, etc.
• Critical thinking – question the content being discussed, discuss it with people with diverse perspectives, and be open to other people’s viewpoints.
• Communicate responsibly when passing on the information you come across. 

🌶️ audience question: "Young people don't trust mainstream media because they see them as lobbying bodies for big elites. How do we restore that trust?"#WHSMelbourne2024

— VicHealth (@VicHealth) April 24, 2024