{"id":2595,"date":"2025-06-17T07:52:40","date_gmt":"2025-06-17T07:52:40","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/help.unhcr.org\/ukraine\/?page_id=2595"},"modified":"2025-06-17T09:15:04","modified_gmt":"2025-06-17T09:15:04","slug":"information","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/help.unhcr.org\/ukraine\/safe-online\/information\/","title":{"rendered":"Identify reliable sources of information"},"content":{"rendered":"
ON THIS PAGE YOU CAN LEARN ABOUT:<\/strong><\/div>Question everything you see online<\/a>Find trustworthy sources of information<\/a>Assess the credibility of websites<\/a>Verify online communities before you join<\/a><\/div>
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In times of crisis, finding legitimate information and avoiding false information is extremely challenging. Just like the real world, the internet becomes a fast-changing environment where you can easily become overwhelmed by the amount of content you encounter<\/strong>. That\u2019s why learning how to identify trustworthy sources of information can have significant implications for your safety.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Question everything you see online<\/strong><\/h1>\n\n\n\n

The online world, and in particular, social media, is cluttered with inaccurate information. This is especially true during active conflicts, when the line between fact and fiction blurs<\/strong>, making it increasingly difficult to distinguish what\u2019s true and what\u2019s not.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Before you rely on anything you see online,<\/strong> stop for a second and think!<\/strong> Could this information include unverified facts? Or could it all be fake because someone has a deliberate interest in deceiving you? Understanding the difference between these two categories can already help you to spot when something is not real.<\/p>\n\n

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Misinformation<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Misinformation is false or inaccurate information that is<\/strong> spread without the intent to mislead<\/strong>. It often originates from simple misunderstandings, mistakes, or outdated information that gets shared without malicious intent.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How does it happen?
<\/strong>Individuals eager to share updates might circulate unverified facts through social media, leading to a ripple effect where the misinformation reaches far and wide, sometimes even being picked up by mainstream media. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Why is it dangerous?
<\/strong>Misinformation can lead to confusion, create false hopes or unnecessary panic, and in some cases, result in real-world harm.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Disinformation<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Disinformation is the deliberate creation and dissemination of false information with the intent to deceive<\/strong>. It could be used to manipulate public opinion, discredit opposition, or create diversions from the truth. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

How does it happen?
<\/strong>Disinformation may include fabricating stories, editing images or videos, or presenting information out of context to mislead the audience. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Why is it dangerous?
<\/strong>It is crafted to be believable and to tap into emotional responses. It can polarise communities, incite violence, or lead to misinformed decisions that might jeopardise your safety.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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In both cases, social media algorithms accelerate the spread of false information. These algorithms are designed to show content that engages users, which means sensational and emotionally charged posts can get more visibility. To safeguard yourself against false information, it's important to develop a habit of looking critically at every piece of information.<\/p>\n\n

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