Fake news and the power of narrative: An important analysis of the digital flood of information

Let’s call it “ illusory truth .” This happens when a lie or misinformation is repeated so often that the brain begins to accept it as truth. And the worst part is that this can happen regardless of whether the information is repeated by a single source or by several different actors.


Here are some examples of the “illusory truth” so we know what we are talking about:

1. Example:We only use 10% of our brain!

One of the most famous examples of illusory truth is the popular claim that we only use 10% of our brains. Despite extensive scientific evidence to the contrary, this myth persists in public perception. The repetition of this misinformation through various media channels, including film and television, has helped to cement it as “truth” in the minds of many people.

The fact is: We use almost 100 percent of our brain, but not always at the same time and not always with the same intensity, because different tasks and activities activate different parts of the brain.

or

2. Example:5G causes COVID-19”

A recent example of a false truth is the claim that 5G technology is the cause of the coronavirus (COVID-19). This myth quickly spread across social media and even led to attacks and destruction of 5G towers. Despite extensive scientific evidence that there is no connection between 5G and COVID-19, this claim persists.

The fact is: To date, there is no scientific evidence that 5G networks are causing or contributing to the spread of COVID-19.


In an increasingly connected and interactive world, a complex ecosystem of information and disinformation is emerging through the internet and social media. The constant bombardment of news, stories and claims has resulted in information overload, which is affecting society's ability to distinguish between truth and untruth.

The main problem lies less in identifying the false information itself, but rather in the narratives and storytelling associated with it. Let's consider the mechanisms by which misinformation spreads and the challenges presented by storytelling in the context of misinformation.

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Mechanisms of spreading misinformation

In the digital age, the spread of misinformation is tragically easy: repetition, spread via social media, support from influencers and media, and apparent legitimacy from political actors. These factors, individually or in combination, contribute to misinformation entering public discourse, where it is often accepted as truth.

The dangerous thing about this process is that the mere repetition of a lie, especially when repeated through different channels and by different actors, is often enough to anchor it as truth in people's minds.

The power of narrative and storytelling

This is where the power of narrative and storytelling comes into play. Misinformation is often embedded in compelling stories that make it seem plausible and credible. Storytelling around a lie can be so compelling that it draws attention away from the core of the misinformation and instead brings the underlying story to the forefront.

It is this powerful narrative that leads people to accept and spread misinformation, even if they do not fully understand or acknowledge the truth behind the lie. Therefore, it is just as important to combat the narrative and storytelling behind the misinformation as the lies themselves.


Example of the different narratives and stories that are being spun around the topic of climate change. Depending on which narrative you hear or read, your understanding and perception of climate change can be greatly influenced.

Example: The climate change debate

The narratives and storytelling surrounding climate change are a clear example of how powerful these elements can be in shaping and shaping public opinion. The way the story of climate change is told has a significant impact on how people perceive and respond to this complex and pressing issue.

On the one hand, we have the scientific narrative, based on decades of research, showing that climate change is a serious and urgent threat to our planet, with widespread and potentially catastrophic impacts. This story is often backed up with graphs and data rising global temperatures , an increase in extreme weather events, and a decline in biodiversity.

On the other hand, there are alternative narratives that deny or trivialize climate change. These narratives are often supported by political or economic interest groups that oppose regulation to limit greenhouse gas emissions. They use storytelling techniques to sow doubt, question the scientific consensus and thus paralyze political decision-making.

The power of these competing narratives and their impact on public opinion and politics highlights the critical importance of storytelling. It determines not only how we understand complex problems like climate change, but also how we respond to them and what actions we take to solve them.


Combating misinformation

Education is the most effective weapon against disinformation. An informed and critical public is better able to recognize and counter misinformation. Questioning information, verifying sources, and using a variety of information sources can contribute to a balanced perspective on news and events.

Being aware of the mechanisms of storytelling and learning to recognize and question them is also important. By understanding the underlying stories and the motives of those who spread them, we can begin to disarm the power of misinformation and curb its spread.


Ten practical tips for guarding against misinformation and developing an informed perspective on news and events:

1. Be critical: Not every information you receive will be accurate or unbiased. Always question the information you receive.

2. Check the source: Where did the information come from? Is the source trustworthy and known for its accuracy?

3. Check multiple sources: Different news sources often have different perspectives. By using a variety of sources, you can get a more balanced picture of the situation.

4. Be aware of storytelling: Every story that is told has a specific purpose and can serve to promote a particular point of view. Be aware of this mechanism and question it.

5. Understand the underlying narratives: What is the underlying narrative or “story” behind the information? Who benefits from telling this story?

6. Check the Facts: There are numerous fact-checking websites that can help verify the accuracy of information.

7. Be careful with emotionally charged information: Misinformation is often spread with emotionally charged stories or images to elicit a certain reaction. Be especially careful when information evokes strong emotions.

8. Don't share information you're unsure about: If you're unsure whether a piece of information is accurate, don't share it. They could help spread misinformation.

9. Educate yourself: The more you know about a topic, the better you can spot and avoid misinformation.

10. Be open to different perspectives: It is important to be open to different perspectives and not just rely on information that confirms your own opinion (confirmation bias).


Conclusion: Misinformation is a serious problem that is exacerbated by storytelling and the narratives surrounding it. However, there are effective strategies to combat disinformation. Education and an awareness of the mechanics of storytelling are crucial to recognizing and resisting misinformation. We can only hope to find the truth in a world of disinformation by rising to this challenge.

Have you ever received a piece of information or news that you were unsure if it was true and wanted a trustworthy source like Mimikama to verify? Do you also believe that exposing misinformation and lies in the media makes a significant contribution to strengthening our democratic society and are you willing to support Mimikama in this mission?


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Notes:
1) This content reflects the current state of affairs at the time of publication. The reproduction of individual images, screenshots, embeds or video sequences serves to discuss the topic. 2) Individual contributions were created through the use of machine assistance and were carefully checked by the Mimikama editorial team before publication. ( Reason )