Experts available to discuss misinformation trends during immigration protests
As protests opposing detentions by the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency unfold in Los Angeles and cities across the country, the News Literacy Project has identified misinformation patterns that commonly surface during moments of unrest. Our experts are available for interviews on how viral rumors spread during major breaking news events and how to spot them.
Here are five common misinformation trends circulating now — and steps your audiences or readers can take to avoid falling for them.
- Bricks: Viral images of bricks allegedly staged to aid violent or destructive protests are a recurring hoax.
Don’t fall for it: Look for evidence. A photo of bricks alone doesn’t prove anything. Look for other information that supports — or disproves — the claims being made. A reverse image search is helpful to learn where and when the image first appeared, and where else it has been posted.
- Paid protestors: False accusations that protesters are paid actors resurface with nearly every major demonstration, sometimes involving supposed advertisements on Craigslist.
Don’t fall for it: Do a quick search and see what credible outlets have said about the claim. If it’s a recurring or viral falsehood, you’re likely to find fact-checks.
- Fires, looting: Footage of fires or looting from unrelated events gets recycled to mislead and inflame.
Don’t fall for it: Learn to recognize common misinformation tactics, which research suggests can help you spot and avoid falsehoods. Sharing out-of-context footage is one of the most common tricks used to spread falsehoods.
- Video Game Clips: Footage from games is sometimes passed off as real breaking news.
Don’t fall for it: Slow down. Social media is flooded with content in the wake of breaking news, including posts that contain false information. Slow your scroll and don’t let your emotions override your rational thinking.
- AI Chatbot Errors: Chatbots often generate outdated or inaccurate details, and that can be especially true during fast-moving events.
Don’t fall for it: Check credible sources. Taking a few moments to see if a viral claim is supported by reporting from news outlets that follow standards — like verification and relying on multiple sources for reporting — is a fast and reliable way to make sure you’re not misled.