Countering False Information on Social Media in Disasters and Emergencies

Publication Date: 2018
Tag(s): best practices, emergency management and homeland security, social media
Author(s): U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Science and Technology Directorate (S&T), U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS)
Abstract: Rumors, misinformation, and false information on social media proliferate before, during, and after disasters and emergencies. While this information cannot be completely eliminated, first responder agencies can use various tactics and strategies to offset bad information. This white paper examines motivations people may have for sharing false information, discusses underlying issues that cause false information, and offers case studies from recent disasters to illustrate the problem. Best practices for agencies to counter misinformation, rumors, and false information are detailed and categorized in this white paper, and challenges and additional considerations are presented for review.