Facebook Groups Face a Misinformation Crisis, Says Report
Posted: 2023-08-26
By: dwirch
Viewed: 49
No attachments for this post
A recent report by a prominent fact-checking organization highlights an alarming issue of misinformation within Facebook groups. Their research uncovered numerous hoax posts on topics like escaped snakes and supposed serial killers. This is believed to be just a fraction of the overall issue worldwide.
Full Fact, a UK-based independent fact-checking charity, discovered over 1,200 misleading posts in Facebook groups over the past year. They believe this number barely scratches the surface of the real issue.
The actual extent of the problem remains elusive, as many hoaxes go unchecked or unreported. Their findings indicate that at least 115 UK communities have been affected by such hoaxes, with similar issues cropping up in international groups.
Some of the hoaxes, Full Fact notes, aim to spread fear in communities. For instance, there was a hoax in Dundee, Scotland that falsely claimed a serial killer was targeting the local community. Others have falsely sought assistance in locating nonexistent lost dogs or children. The US and Australia have also seen a rise in such misleading posts.
Behind the Spread of Hoaxes
So, what's fueling these hoaxes? Full Fact explains that many culprits initiate a hoax to later transform their fabricated tales into engagement opportunities or affiliate promotions.
One such post from Doncaster, UK about a purported missing person was later updated to advertise a contest to win chocolate baskets. By the time of this change, the post had already been shared extensively. Edited posts like these usually contain links leading users away from Facebook.
Meta, when reached out for a comment, stated their commitment against fraudulent activities, emphasizing their continued efforts to enhance technologies and methodologies to counter scams. They've also launched tools to aid Facebook Group admins in managing group interactions and misinformation.
However, Full Fact believes Meta hasn't adequately addressed the issue. They argue that certain policy shifts, like the 2013 decision to allow post edits (with original likes and shares remaining intact) and the 2021 change allowing users to join groups without admin consent, may have unintentionally fueled the spread of hoaxes.
Tips to Identify Hoaxes in Facebook Groups
To determine if a Facebook post has been edited, click on the three dots at the top-right corner of the post and select 'view edit history'.
Full Fact provides additional advice:
- Check if comments have been disabled on a post.
- Use Google image search to see if a picture has been reused elsewhere.
- Be cautious of posts from new pages rather than personal profiles.
- Check if a post's text appears elsewhere with varied images using Facebook's search.
- For local groups, ensure the language aligns with regional dialects.
Despite Meta's collaboration with 90 fact-checking entities and newer tools for group admins, the challenge of hoax posts persists. If you're active in Facebook groups, it's essential to stay informed and verify posts before sharing.
Comments on this post
No comments have been added for this post.
You must be logged in to make a comment.