COVID-19 is the first pandemic in history in which social media are being used on a massive scale to keep people informed. In a time of crisis, as facts and rumors mix and disperse, it becomes difficult to learn essential information about an issue. And while adequate information is seen as positive, boosting seafarers’ sense of belonging, misinformation through social media can add to their already increased stress from being unable to sign in or sign off due to travel restrictions.
Key tips to tell the difference between information vs misinformation:
- Be suspicious: Is the news angry with clickbait titles? Is the website trustworthy?
- Crosscheck the sources: Is any other news source reporting on the same thing?
- Identify the author: Search the author’s name online; Is he/she real?
- Mind the date: Some news outlets re-publish old posts as current stories.
- Stop the chain: If you found it is fake news, don’t comment it or repost it.
- Turn to experts: Search the information in official sites, such as WHO.
- Turn to fact–checkers: Consult organizations, such as the International Fact-checking Network.
- Share official information: Share updates from trustworthy, official websites.
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