SAN FRANCISCO (KCBS RADIO) – Contra Costa County has released a set of info-graphics encouraging residents to "think critically" in an effort to "pre-bunk" misinformation that has run rampant on social media heading into the midterm elections.
For more, stream KCBS Radio now.
As the election approaches next week, there is concern that this type of misinformation is going to interfere with proceedings as it has in the past.
"Election officials are up against an enormous challenge," Amy Cohen, Executive Director at the National Association of State Election Directors told KCBS Radio's Eric Thomas on Sunday.
"There is so much information available and unfortunately so much of it is inaccurate," she said. "Understanding election processes requires a lot more than 280 characters."
"Finally, election officials are just never the loudest voices in the room," said Cohen. "We never have the megaphone."
This is frustrating as elections can be confusing for the average person, which can foster mistrust and doubt.
In an effort to combat this, many are trying to preemptively put information out there, to "pre-bunk" any misinformation.
This helps people build up a resilience to the possible false messages they might be getting.
"It helps people be prepared to recognize false information and then limit the impact of it," she said.
There are ways to spot these types of false information. In order to do so, it’s important to remember that all posts are really trying to do is get people ot react, said Cohen.
"So if you have a strong reaction to a piece of information, that's a good sign that you need to take a second, think more about what you're seeing or hearing before you respond to it, share it, repeat it," she said.
It's also important to cross-check that information with a trusted source, which is at best an election official.
In order to prevent more people from being affected by misinformation, voters need to help election officials.
"It really needs to be a whole of community effort," she said.
There are always going to be some that can't be convinced otherwise of the false information they are receiving. In those cases, it's best to be interested in the source for this information and ask questions.
"And provide them with access to accurate information and resources," said Cohen.
DOWNLOAD the Audacy App
SIGN UP and follow KCBS Radio
Facebook | Twitter | Instagram
Related
