17 Aug 2024
Rev Peter Crumpler, associate minister at St Paul’s Church, Fleetville, St Albans, looks at how we can protect ourselves from being duped by fake news.
Matt Adams, editor of the St Albans Times, was a guest at St Paul’s Church earlier this summer, when we discussed ‘Standing for Truth in an Age of Disinformation.’ Matt talked about the vital role of the St Albans Times in accurately and fully reporting local news.
It’s turned out to be a very topical conversation.
Because disinformation and fake news have been charged with fuelling the riots and disorder that took place across parts of the UK this summer. It’s just the latest example of how social media is impacting all of our lives.
Media campaigning charity Full Fact declared: “The disorder we’ve seen, triggered at least in part by false claims circulating on social media, is an awful reminder of what can happen when online misinformation spills into the real world.”
But how can people of all faiths and none fight back against the tide of disinformation and fake news sweeping across the internet, and arriving at the smartphone in your hand?
Each of us has a voice within our own circle of friends, family, colleagues, and perhaps, people at our place of worship.
So, offered with gentleness and humility, are some points, communicated that Sunday evening at St Paul’s – and confessing that churches and Christians are among those who do not always get it right…
First, don’t share without thinking. It’s easy simply to share on social media or tell a friend something that you have just read online or in print. But take a few minutes to think over what you have just read or heard. Slow down your response.
Is this from a reliable news source? Can I check this information on another media platform?
Slowing down our responses makes it much less likely that we will share fake news or spread disinformation.
If in doubt, then don’t spread the story — even if you would like it to be true, because of your worldview.
Second, burst your bubble. In social media, this means being willing to follow people or organisations with which you disagree, and being ready to engage with what they are saying.
It may be uncomfortable, and it may not change your point of view, but you will understand better the views that they are expressing – and maybe sharpen your own.
Otherwise, you just see opinions that echo your own, and are never challenged about your viewpoint. The algorithms will keep serving you up posts that you like…
Third, don’t succumb to conspiratorial thinking. Full Fact reports that an incorrect name for the suspect in the Southport killings spread rapidly online, alongside false claims he had recently come to the UK on a small boat or was Syrian.
These claims were quickly rebutted by Merseyside Police. But nevertheless, unrest broke out in Southport, with the police reportedly saying people behind the violence had been fired up by social media posts.
As seekers after truth, Christians and people of all faiths should be looking for evidence and robust investigations rather than fabricated ideas that intrigue us.
Fourth, support independent journalism. News organisations are under pressure from free material offered on the internet from unreliable sources. If independent journalism is to survive, readers are likely to have to pay an increasing price to support media outlets.
The cover price of a newspaper, or an online subscription, can help ensure professional journalism survives.
Journalists launching publications – like the St Albans Times – to serve their local areas should be supported by their communities.
Fifth, take a stand against disinformation. In an era of post-truth, Christians and people of all faiths are called to challenge every attempt to obfuscate a fact and challenge falsehoods before they are accepted as true.
How you take action will depend on your circumstances, and where you see the truth being undermined.
Small actions taken in places of worship, workplaces or friendship groups can have a ripple effect in drawing people back to the truth.
Post-truth, fake news, and disinformation together pose a serious threat to societies around the world. Citizens can feel powerless in the face of their demoralising and demotivating effects. But individuals can play their part in seeking to bring truth and integrity back into the centre of public life.
A final thought. Don’t be afraid to take a step back from social media, if you find the relentless torrent of news and opinion impacting your wellbeing. For the sake of your mental health, take regular breaks away from your screen…and invest that time in prayer or silent contemplation…
