Misinformation and disinformation are undermining our democracy. We need to know how to identify them. Join us to explore how we can do it.
Thomas Jefferson summed up a critical element required of us in defense of our democracy: “An informed citizenry is at the heart of a dynamic democracy.” Recognizing and thwarting misinformation and disinformation are essential components in generating and maintaining an informed citizenry and defending our democracy. These are the scourge of credible journalism. Regrettably, increasingly the forces of darkness seek to overtake society with conspiracy hoaxes driven by misinformation and disinformation. They are often enabled by a citizenry seeking stories that appeal to their confirmation bias rather offer credible information that may challenge that bias.
That we all need to be able to recognize misinformation and disinformation when it knocks on our door is clear. For those in the credible news arena, it’s even more important that misinformation and disinformation should be identified and given no quarter. Bert Etling, Executive Director of Ashland.news, will offer his perspectives on this troubling issue and share advice on how we can recognize this fraud when it appears.