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The conversation surrounding misinformation, fake news, and fact-checking is constantly evolving. As changing technology changes the way we take in information, new cultural and ethical considerations arise. Here is a collection of recent readings, podcasts, and other media we’ve highlighted from around the web that address the latest issues in fact-checking.
What We’re Reading:
- From Hyperallergic: The Fluctuating Truth of Documentary Images
A viral meme of one of the scientists who developed the COVID vaccine turns out to be false. This triggers an investigation into the history of textual companions to documentary photography.
A Pennsylvania mother was arrested this week for allegedly creating deepfake images of her daughter’s cheerleading competitors, depicting them naked, drinking, and smoking. She has been charged with harassment and cyber harassment of a child.
- From The New York Times: Black and Hispanic Communities Grapple With Vaccine Misinformation
Research shows that there is a striking disparity between racial groups receiving the vaccine. In addition to lack of access to vaccine sites, misinformation may play a large role. The article explores the deep roots behind the belief that doctors are interested in using certain minority groups for experimentation.
- From Literary Hub: Amazon Has a Responsibility to Stop Anti-Trans Misinformation
Various news and social media outlets have taken action against public health information. This author claims that Amazon has taken too long to address anti-vaccine content, and transphobic misinformation.
What We’re Listening To:
As part of NPR’s “Untangling Disinformation” series, this story profiles “deprogrammers”who are helping people who have been caught up in cult-like conspiracy theories, to re-engage with reality.
What We’re Watching:
- From MediaWise: Is This Legit?
A group of fact-checking teens are investigating viral claims made on Youtube. So far the series have covered a range of topics: from pop culture, to politics and science.
- From Cassandra Zambini: Media Warfare
One multimedia artist compiled hundreds of conspiracy theory videos from across the web. The 25 minute film displays the videos simultaneously, so that it feels more like a collage of voices rather than a narrative, replicating a feeling of information bombardment.
Photo: Andreas Solaro via Getty Images
