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CatchingRays t1_jcakmj1 wrote

Facebook did a thing a while back where it labeled misinformation. That looked like a good step. Once an bad story or source is found out, can a platform message users that shared it with the info/data dispelling it? Point out the nefarious actors? Along with a compassionate note about it being hard to tell sometimes? And some notes about what could have tipped them off? I know I'm asking for a lot here, but platforms have an opportunity to educate their users. Little by little improve the experience of their site overall.

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Spork_Warrior t1_jcatvxd wrote

But I've come to realize some people are just followers. They will always believe what their friends believe. They will always march off the cliff because they see others doing just that. News manipulators have learned to urge these people in certain directions just by convincing them that other like-minded individuals are doing the same thing

You can try to educate and inform them, but they are somehow pre-programed to be part of the pack. That's where they are more comfortable.

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CatchingRays t1_jcauatk wrote

You’re right. Everyone can’t be saved. But some can. And some is better than none. Additionally, some of the unwilling will leave the platform, making it more enjoyable for everyone else.

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jintro t1_jcclv53 wrote

They'd just dismiss it as part of the conspiracy. And Facebook and other platforms (like Reddit) aren't in it to educate, they are in it to drive engagement. With truth or lies, they couldn't care less.

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Deutchpleuw t1_jce1gsj wrote

I think your head is in a good spot, I want to posit the further idea that I think you’d also need: a transparent means of explaining and proving proof why something is misinformation beyond a shadow of a doubt (not like a blurb that boils down to “trust us,” links to websites/articles/media etc though all should be from sources that are not co owned) just to be sure the social media company is able to be communally held accountable for truth and legitimacy. Just to make sure misuse CAN’T happen. Good old CYA

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