Beware of "Disinformation" Spreading During Elections: Key Points for Social Media Use
During election season, "disinformation" and "misinformation" regarding candidates tend to spread easily across the internet and social media. According to the Japan Fact-check Center, there are several patterns that require particular caution. It is important that we stop and think before believing the information we encounter.
One common pattern of disinformation involves manipulated images or videos of candidates. There is an increasing number of cases where AI technology is used to make it appear as though someone said something they did not actually say, or to create scenes that differ from the facts. Because these can look authentic, there is a risk that many people will believe and share them.
There have also been reports of cases where candidates' backgrounds or campaign pledges are fabricated. In local elections, false information related to region-specific topics may also circulate. These types of information can hinder voters from making informed decisions, so caution is necessary.
Make it a habit not to swallow all information on the internet at face value, and instead verify it through reliable news sites or official sources. By not immediately sharing information that appears on social media and taking a moment to research whether it is truly accurate yourself, you contribute to protecting the integrity of the election.