Officials fight wildfires—and a storm of online misinformation
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As wildfires blanket the Los Angeles skyline, misinformation is spreading fast. In times like these, knowing the truth could be just as life-saving as firefighting efforts.
Are the rumors surrounding these fires putting your safety at risk?
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is no stranger to the flames of falsehoods that flare up during disasters.
Reactivating its online rumor response site, FEMA is tackling the spread of misinformation head-on.
Contrary to circulating claims, FEMA assistance is not a one-time deal, nor does applying for aid grant the agency any control over your property.
These are just a couple of the myths that FEMA is extinguishing with the truth.
The Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD) is also on the frontlines of this battle against bogus information.
As they work tirelessly to contain the blazes, they're also dousing the fires of falsehoods online.
LAFD Public Information Officer Erik Scott has been actively “Clearing Up Online Misinformation,” ensuring that the public isn't misled into dangerous actions, such as untrained individuals attempting to fight the wildfires themselves.
Jason Davis, a research professor at Syracuse University specializing in disinformation detection, notes a significant shift in how officials communicate during crises.
The old strategy of ignoring misinformation to avoid lending it credibility is no longer viable in the face of its prevalence and the sophistication of AI-generated content.
Now, agencies are directly confronting falsehoods, understanding that the stakes are too high to remain silent.
"In the past, the idea was to be above the mis- and disinformation, to not say anything because it would give it credibility," Davis said. "That conversation has changed because of its prevalence and the quality that's now being generated."
The wildfires have sparked a spread of misleading visuals, including AI-generated videos that falsely depict landmarks like the Hollywood sign in flames.
While some fakes are easily spotted, others are alarmingly convincing.
Davis points out that disaster zones are prime targets for AI-generated imagery because we expect a certain level of chaos and low image quality.
Another persistent problem is the recycling of old footage or images taken out of context.
For example, a video went viral claiming to show firefighters using women's handbags to battle the flames.
In reality, the LAFD clarified that the video showed firefighters using standard canvas bags, a typical tool for small fires.
Conspiracy theories also tend to reignite during such events.
Claims about directed energy weapons (DEWs) causing the fires have been debunked repeatedly, yet they continue to surface, fueled by misleading videos.
Facing scrutiny over the state's preparedness, California Gov. Gavin Newsom has launched a “California Fire Facts” page on his website to directly address online claims.
A recent viral post falsely accused Newsom of conspiring to rezone land for development after the fires, a claim he promptly refuted as untrue.
In the digital age, it's essential to develop a keen eye for the truth. Here are some tips to help you navigate the information inferno:
1. Scrutinize AI-generated content
Look for inconsistencies, especially in the background of images. AI often struggles with details like trees or lampposts, leaving them distorted.
2. Verify before you trust
Always cross-check videos and information with reliable sources. Even sharing with close friends can inadvertently spread misinformation if it's unverified.
As first responders work to safeguard homes and lives from the wildfires, it's important to also address the spread of misinformation.
By staying informed and cautious, we can make decisions based on facts rather than rumors.
Have you encountered any wildfire rumors or misinformation? How do you ensure the information you receive is accurate? Share your experiences and strategies in the comments below.
Are the rumors surrounding these fires putting your safety at risk?
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is no stranger to the flames of falsehoods that flare up during disasters.
Reactivating its online rumor response site, FEMA is tackling the spread of misinformation head-on.
Contrary to circulating claims, FEMA assistance is not a one-time deal, nor does applying for aid grant the agency any control over your property.
These are just a couple of the myths that FEMA is extinguishing with the truth.
The Los Angeles Fire Department and officials are actively countering false information, marking a shift in disaster communication. Image source: stayhereforu/Pexels.
The Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD) is also on the frontlines of this battle against bogus information.
As they work tirelessly to contain the blazes, they're also dousing the fires of falsehoods online.
LAFD Public Information Officer Erik Scott has been actively “Clearing Up Online Misinformation,” ensuring that the public isn't misled into dangerous actions, such as untrained individuals attempting to fight the wildfires themselves.
Jason Davis, a research professor at Syracuse University specializing in disinformation detection, notes a significant shift in how officials communicate during crises.
The old strategy of ignoring misinformation to avoid lending it credibility is no longer viable in the face of its prevalence and the sophistication of AI-generated content.
Now, agencies are directly confronting falsehoods, understanding that the stakes are too high to remain silent.
"In the past, the idea was to be above the mis- and disinformation, to not say anything because it would give it credibility," Davis said. "That conversation has changed because of its prevalence and the quality that's now being generated."
The wildfires have sparked a spread of misleading visuals, including AI-generated videos that falsely depict landmarks like the Hollywood sign in flames.
While some fakes are easily spotted, others are alarmingly convincing.
Davis points out that disaster zones are prime targets for AI-generated imagery because we expect a certain level of chaos and low image quality.
Another persistent problem is the recycling of old footage or images taken out of context.
For example, a video went viral claiming to show firefighters using women's handbags to battle the flames.
In reality, the LAFD clarified that the video showed firefighters using standard canvas bags, a typical tool for small fires.
Conspiracy theories also tend to reignite during such events.
Claims about directed energy weapons (DEWs) causing the fires have been debunked repeatedly, yet they continue to surface, fueled by misleading videos.
Facing scrutiny over the state's preparedness, California Gov. Gavin Newsom has launched a “California Fire Facts” page on his website to directly address online claims.
A recent viral post falsely accused Newsom of conspiring to rezone land for development after the fires, a claim he promptly refuted as untrue.
In the digital age, it's essential to develop a keen eye for the truth. Here are some tips to help you navigate the information inferno:
1. Scrutinize AI-generated content
Look for inconsistencies, especially in the background of images. AI often struggles with details like trees or lampposts, leaving them distorted.
2. Verify before you trust
Always cross-check videos and information with reliable sources. Even sharing with close friends can inadvertently spread misinformation if it's unverified.
As first responders work to safeguard homes and lives from the wildfires, it's important to also address the spread of misinformation.
By staying informed and cautious, we can make decisions based on facts rather than rumors.
