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In today’s digital age, distinguishing between truth and falsehoods online can be daunting. The proliferation of misinformation and disinformation is a critical issue, one that demands our attention and vigilance. But what exactly constitutes disinformation, and how does it spread so effectively?
Disinformation refers to intentionally misleading or fabricated information that is disseminated to deceive or manipulate public opinion. This can take many forms, including altered images, fake news screenshots, and misleading claims, even those generated by AI chatbots like Elon Musk’s Grok. It’s not uncommon for such platforms to retract their statements only after being challenged by sharp-eyed users.
Australian Associated Press’ (AAP) FactCheck service has been instrumental in debunking some of these online myths. For instance, they uncovered a series of social media posts inaccurately identifying Bondi hero Ahmed al-Ahmed as a man named Edward Crabtree. This false narrative spread rapidly across platforms, demonstrating how easily misinformation can take root and grow.
To combat this, it’s essential to develop skills for identifying misinformation. Always verify information with credible sources before accepting it as fact. Be wary of sensational claims and doctored content, and use fact-checking services to confirm the validity of the information you encounter online.
What were some of the incorrect claims?
Australian Associated Press’ (AAP) FactCheck service found several social media posts falsely identifying him as a man named Edward Crabtree.
Posts shared on social media falsely claimed that Bondi hero Ahmed al-Ahmed’s real name was “Edward Crabtree”. Source: AAP / Facebook
That claim was sourced from a website called The Daily, that ‘quoted’ Crabtree from an “exclusive” interview given from his bedside in hospital.
In the fake image that was circulated, the shirt features different (and illegible) text and a different logo.
AI-generated images of Bondi shooting survivor Arsen Ostrovsky were shared online. Source: AAP / Facebook / Channel Nine
Elsewhere in the shared image, background vehicles appear to merge together, and multiple people have distorted or missing hands.
The post linked to a website called Amazing Blogs that is predominantly in Italian, and the quotes attributed to Hanson are fake.
Source: AAP / Facebook
Several posts shared online also misidentified the alleged gunmen, or made false claims about them in the wake of the attack.
The images are photos of a writer published in an online magazine that have been manipulated to add a beard.
Source: AAP / Facebook
Other posts falsely claimed Naveed Akram was an Israeli national named “David Cohen”, including a fake screenshot of a Facebook profile.
Other posts shared on Instagram falsely claimed Akram served in the Israel Defense Forces — to which he has no reported links.
How can you spot fake information online?
Ask yourself if quotes make sense or if they appear to miss the wider context, if the content seems believable, and if there is enough evidence and reasoning provided to justify claims or conclusions. Does the information shared expressly promote a political agenda or worldview?
