https://padlet.com/gabi9321/mfn3uf1mj9twczcg Hometask en-us 2022-01-16 20:53:35 UTC 2023-03-28 02:46:29 UTC hello@padlet.com gabi9321 https://padlet.com/gabi9321/mfn3uf1mj9twczcg/wish/1994715529 Misinformation is incorrect or misleading information unintentionally presented as fact. Even if later retracted, misinformation can continue to influence actions and memory.

Misinformation can affect all aspects of life.

Diffusion of misinformation through social media is a potential threat to democracy and broader society. The effects of misinformation can lead to the accurateness of information and details of the occurrence to decline. When eavesdropping on conversations, one can gather facts that may not always be true, or the receiver may hear the message incorrectly and spread the information to others. On the Internet, one can read content that is stated to be factual but that may not have been checked or may be erroneous. In the news, companies may emphasize the speed at which they receive and send information but may not always be correct in the facts. These developments contribute to the way misinformation will continue to complicate the public's understanding of issues and to serve as a source for belief and attitude formation.

In regards to politics, some view being a misinformed citizen as worse than being an uninformed citizen. Misinformed citizens can state their beliefs and opinions with confidence and in turn affect elections and policies. This type of misinformation comes from speakers not always being upfront and straightforward, yet may appear both "authoritative and legitimate" on the surface. When information is presented as vague, ambiguous, sarcastic, or partial, receivers are forced to piece the information together and make assumptions about what is correct.

In the medical field, misinformation can immediately lead to life endangerment as seen in the case of the public's negative perception towards vaccines or the use of herbs instead of medicines to treat diseases. In regards to the COVID-19 pandemic, the spread of misinformation has proven to cause confusion as well as negative emotions such as anxiety and fear. Misinformation regarding proper safety measures for the prevention of the virus that go against information from legitimate institutions like the World Health Organization can also lead to inadequate protection and possibly place individuals at risk for exposure.

Misinformation has the power to sway public elections and referendums if it has the chance to gain enough momentum in the public discourse. (example: UK referendum about leaving EU).

Misinformation can lead people to take wrong decisions that may cost them even with their life. In the last 2 years, the world has faced misinformation about COVID-19 vaccines and although the governments of countries tried to inform its people about benefits of vaccines, the misinformation on social media had a bigger spread than information. This caused a lot of people to be scared and anxious about medical system and some of them died of COVID-19, death that could be avoided with the vaccine.]]> 2022-01-16 21:21:12 UTC https://padlet.com/gabi9321/mfn3uf1mj9twczcg/wish/1994715529