Do you sometimes not know what you can or cannot believe about the messages you see circulating on social media?
The Digimeter recently published by IMEC shows that 79% of Flemish people, just like you, are concerned about the impact of fake news on society. A justified concern because disinformation is constantly lurking around the corner.
A few months ago, Charleroi was rocked by riots and arson in schools in response to the EVRAS decree. A disinformation campaign soon followed with the intention of deliberately spreading false information to influence public opinion. We see fake news popping up around every topic: from reporting on the conflict in Ukraine to the craziest stories circulating about the "disappearance" of British Princess Kate Middleton.
Some fake news or conspiracy theories are so exaggerated that we quickly debunk them, but sometimes disinformation is more subtle, mixed with true facts and harder to detect. No wonder people become suspicious and don't quite know what to believe.
What to do?
1. Always remain critical of what you read and see.
2. Check who the source or sender is.
3. Look for other sources to verify stories and images.
4. Never share a post yourself that you doubt.
