Combatting Disaster Misinformation Online Using Social Network Analysis

THE CHALLENGE

Misinformation can spread rapidly online through X, TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, and other social networking sites during disaster. This can complicate emergency response. Understanding the structural dimensions of online misinformation networks is a crucial step towards developing effective countermeasures. Yet the guidance for countering online disaster-related misinformation is not grounded in a robust body of evidence related how misinformation propagates or how it can be countered.

We examined the structure of online misinformation using social network analysis and developed structurally-informed strategies for countering misinformation.

THE APPROACH

- Mixed methods social network analysis of misinformation networks during two disasters with high prevalence of mis- and disinformation, the 2020 wildfires in Oregon and discussions of ivermectin during the Covid-19 pandemic

- Identification of strategies for countering misinformation online drawing on results of network analysis

- Exploration of offline (in-real-life) approaches for crisis communication and building trust in cases when online strategies fail

- Training of public health workers in the basics of effective crisis communication

THE OUTCOME

Technical guidance on how misinformation spreads online during disasters, and strategies for countering misinformation online and in-real-life.

Further reading

Misinformation and Conspiracies in COVID Times. COVID Studies: New Directions in Social Science Disaster Research

A Different Kind of Disaster Response: Using Social Media Best Practices to Stem the Tide of Misinformation. The RAND Blog

Community and Individual Disaster Resilience for Floods: Options for improving protective action guidance. RAND Corporation

Communication missteps during COVID‐19 hurt those already most at risk. Journal of Contingencies and Crisis Management