Here is what you should do if you truly want to know about the Ukraine crisis
Since the ongoing invasion of Ukraine by Russia, it can be challenging to discern accurate information from the deluge of news reports. To stay informed and avoid misinformation, consider the following:
Follow the trusted sources, not influenced by a political standpoint:
Stick to reputable news sources like the New York Times, CNN, and The Guardian. However, keep in mind that some news outlets have their own biases, so be aware of their political viewpoints before taking their reports as fact. For example, Fox News recently ran a headline claiming that Putin merely wanted to secure his western border, which contradicts the reality of the situation.
Furthermore, it’s best to follow official government channels to stay up-to-date. For example, the Defence of Ukraine Twitter account provides reliable information on the conflict. Bellingcat has also compiled a List of Twitter accounts worth following for those seeking reliable information on the crisis.
Double-check the source:
Yesterday, a photo of a burning plane was posted on Twitter, claiming that it was taken during the Ukraine crisis. However, Bellingcat organization, an open-source investigation platform, later revealed that the image was actually from 1993 and had been misused to generate internet traffic. This serves as a reminder to always verify the sources of information and images before accepting them as true. If you’re looking for a reliable source of information on the Ukraine crisis, we recommend checking out Bellingcat’s project to document the conflict and hold Russia accountable for its actions.
Distinguish between facts and opinion/emotion/judgment:
The internet is a vast repository of information, but not all of it is created equal. As rational beings, we all have our own points of view, but it’s important to differentiate between opinions and facts, especially when it comes to complex and sensitive issues such as the current crisis in Ukraine. While we respect people’s right to hold and express their own views, we encourage everyone to strive for an informed and balanced perspective, based on reliable and verifiable facts.
Some examples of facts that have been reported on the crisis include:
- A Russian armed vehicle ran over a civilian car on the street of Kyiv’s Oberon district
- Ukrainian Army destroys the large force of Russian invasion from southern Crimea
- In Lviv, western Ukraine, sirens sounded as loudspeakers urged people to seek shelter
Meanwhile, opinions, emotions, and judgments can vary widely and are often influenced by personal beliefs, biases, or political affiliations. Some examples of opinions that may not be grounded in fact include:
- “Wasn’t Putin supposed to invade Ukraine over the weekend according to US intel sources?”
- “Maybe Ukraine should have given up joining NATO to avoid this bloodshed.”
- “It’s all because of the weakness of Western countries, NATO, and the UN.”
Do not stop at the title:
Headlines are the first impression that media outlets make on readers. They are designed to be eye-catching and often exaggerated, but in the fast-paced world we live in, many people stop at reading just the headlines without delving deeper into the content. This can limit their understanding of the whole crisis. This trend is particularly prevalent in Russian and Chinese media.
(Image source: apnews)
It’s crucial to combat misinformation and fake news because we can all become victims of it. By being vigilant and fact-checking information, we can prevent the spread of false information and ensure that we are making informed decisions based on accurate information.
Edit by SOCIAL INNOVATION INSIGHT
For any social innovation, social business, innovation, social analysis press release, or advertising cooperation, please email socialinnovationinsight@gmail.com.
Originally published at http://socialinnovatorshome.com on February 25, 2022.
