Minneapolis protest misinformation stokes racial tensions

[KY_EnviroGuy]

Minneapolis protest misinformation stokes racial tensions
By AMANDA SEITZ Associated Press (via Minneapolis Star Tribune)
May 29, 2020

Link: https://www.startribune.com/minneapolis-protest-misinformation-stokes-racial-tensions/570878262/

(snips)

The false social media posts started just hours after protesters first began chanting and carrying banners around the Minneapolis neighborhood where George Floyd, an African American man, died handcuffed in police custody.
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"A good deal of this, if not all of this, is intentionally trying to stoke the racial flame that has been ablaze in the United States almost since slavery started 400-plus years ago," said Lanier Holt, a communications professor at Ohio State University who studied in Minneapolis.

While the falsehoods may have been unwittingly amplified by some, they have likely been planted by those preying on existing racial tensions, Holt said.

"They put out that false information to get that narrative in the minds of people who already have these ... pre-existing biases," he said. The online misinformation so far appears to have fallen along those racial divides.

Article goes on to provide several example of misleading posts and outright lies from both public and social media.

Little doubt exists that Russia and far right-wing groups are behind much of this evil activity. They have an abundant supply of racists in America to prey on that will amplify their message with glee.


KY..............

[The Velveteen Ocelot]

1. Some of these things have been posted here on DU with enthusiasm.

We need to be careful. If some sensational claim has been made and you want to believe it, look for verification in other sources. Russian trolls are posting things on social media that are intended to stir up anger and division, and not all of those things have a right-wing slant. Don't pounce on and repeat something you found on Twitter or Facebook and pass it on just because you want to believe it's true.

[KY_EnviroGuy]

3. That's exactly why I don't use social media.

I'm also a scientist and if anything, tend to over-verify.

But you are right that we're all prone to some cognitive bias....it seems to be part of being human.

Russia's troll machine is well known to plant misinformation on both sides of the fence to insure both sides are in a state of anger and confusion. And, we've not been able to do much to stop it.


KY..........

[stillcool]

2. always good to be reminded..