How to spot hurricane misinformation
By María Morena Vicente, Nancy Nuñez and Emiliano Rodriguez Nuesh
As climate change accelerates, strong weather events are increasingly frequent and intense. These challenges show the urgent need for clearer communication strategies to help individuals recognize their biases and understand the associated risks.
Psychological barriers often hinder effective action during disasters, leading to inaction when it is most crucial. In our noisy digital environment, misinformation and disinformation further complicate our response efforts.
Defining and defying misinformation and disinformation
Misinformation refers to false or misleading information shared without the intent to deceive, typically by individuals who believe it is true. In contrast, disinformation is false information that is deliberately created and spread to mislead or manipulate public perception for specific agendas.
Understanding these distinctions helps us tackle the spread of both types of false information more effectively.
Why does this happen?
People tend to share misleading information that aligns with their personal identity or social norms, is novel, or evokes strong emotions.
Behavioral models suggest that simply being exposed to misinformation increases the likelihood of believing it, which further raises the chances of sharing it.
However, individuals may share false information even if they know it’s inaccurate, often to signal their political beliefs, undermine perceived opponents, or gain social rewards.
Psychological factors play a crucial role, making people more prone to sharing inaccurate information that resonates with their identity and emotions.
How do misinformation and disinformation increase disaster risk?
By undermining trust in authorities, spreading panic, and causing confusion. These factors can lead to ineffective responses, hinder evacuation efforts, and reduce compliance with safety measures, all of which worsen the overall impact of disasters.
Let’s take as an example the Kerala (India) case in 2018. A fake video circulated during the flooding event and interfered with rescue operations.
During Hurricane Irma, the White House mistakenly shared a fake video claiming to show Miami Airport, a doctored forecast was shared nearly 40,000 times, and a video of an unrelated storm was viewed almost 28 million times on Facebook.
Effective communication it's a 'matter of life and death' as inaction can cost lives.
In disaster situations, misinformation and disinformation reflect deeper psychological biases that shape how we react, preventing us from fully grasping the severity of crises or acting with compassion.
What can be done?
To combat misinformation and disinformation, start by verifying sources before sharing information. Look for trusted organizations, like government agencies or reputable news outlets, that provide clear, factual updates.
Cross-check information across multiple reliable sources to confirm its accuracy. If something seems unclear or overly sensational, pause before sharing it.
Lastly, encourage conversations with friends and family about identifying false information, fostering a community that values truth and accountability in times of crisis.
Watch this video for a few recommendations and examples: