How to Handle Misinformation in a Crisis [S5 E2]

Fake news and propaganda have existed for decades, if not centuries. But with social media algorithms reinforcing confirmation bias and with the advent of deep fake technology, misinformation has reached unprecedented levels. As a result, trust has plummeted and corporate crises are becoming ever-more common.

In this episode of the Digital Download Podcast, I talk to Kate Hartley from crisis simulation platform Polpeo. Kate has recently written a book called Communicate in a Crisis that takes a detailed look at why people behave the way they do on social media, how misinformation spreads as a result and how companies can best handle this.

Here's what is discussed in this episode:

* How crisis management has evolved in the last few years

* Why the speed of information online is scaring companies so much

* How we’re now far more likely to learn of things that outrage us

* Why people wear outrage as a badge of honour

* How the media reinforces the spread of misinformation

* How trust is likely to continue to erode

* Why being transparent and the trusted voice of authority is so vital now

* The reasons people spread misinformation

* How misinformation is leading to increased polarisation

* Why Facebook does not listen to use through our mobile phones

* Why you must have ‘fake news’ in your crisis plan

* How to deal with misinformation in the midst of a social media crisis

* Whether people will start to disengage with social media in future

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