Week 3 MIL

  Have you heard about information disorder?  Unlike medical disorders, information disorder is a complex issue in media
and information literacy that significantly affects politics, news consumption, distribution, and public opinion. Its definition is
linked to misinformation, disinformation, and mal-information. These three types of information disorder involve false
information that can cause harm (Wardle & Derakhshan, 2017).

 Misinformation usually happens when a person inadvertently shares information on social media without verifying its
genuineness or authenticity. This is not done with the aim of causing harm, but it may cause injury to others. For example, a
Facebook user posted an image on social media indicating that the person who appeared on the picture allegedly committed a
crime and is at large. In an attempt to be helpful, you posted this on your social media account, unaware that the one who
originally posted it used some random pictures he saw online. Your intention to share did not originate from an ill motive, but
still, your act caused confusion because you fail to verify the facts before you communicated them (Ordway, 2018). At
present, some websites or blogs use misinformation to criticize or create humour on the subject of the content.

          Disinformation is a double-negative situation. The information shared is false, and the act to communicate it to the
public is driven by harmful or lousy reasons. For instance, to increase followers or subscribers, video or content creators
reframe stories by sensationalizing headlines called "clickbait." Another example is using images or videos not related to the
written content or impersonation of genuine sources. Imposter websites intently imitate logos, designs, and content of
legitimate news sources like GMA or TV5 to achieve the features of legitimate websites and ride on its popularity (LifeStyle
Sharer, 2019).
An example of a website that uses clickbait to attract public attention. Source: (Frampton, 2015)
          On the other hand, mal-information is another example of information disorder opposite to misinformation. It hinges on
truthful information but presents in a way that appeals to the readers' emotions. It does not use the framework of the facts to
deliver the information. This is done to inflict malice or harm on a person or subject.

          For example, a Facebook user posted a news story of a business tycoon facing illegal drug trade charges and said that
the business tycoon would escape prosecution because he has close relations with a government official. The news story is
posted to be more believable with an image of the government official shaking hands with the business tycoon. The
assumption that the government official met the businessman is true, as evidenced by the photo. However, the information
communicated may be false because the photo opportunity may have only happened on one casual occasion. The two
individuals may not have a personal or private relationship with each other. In short, the photo was adapted for use for a
different purpose so that its legitimacy will be used to misdirect information about the drug case (Baines & Elliott, 2020).

          Information disorder is pollution both in traditional and online platforms. We should not fall prey to its trap. Otherwise,
we will become agents of false or misleading information. As a 21st century learner, you should promote cyber wellness
when using, engaging, or accessing media and information.

          What is cyber wellness? It is the process of actively recognizing and maintaining safety and security measures when
using the Internet (Ministry of Education-Singapore, 2010). In this context, you have to be aware that both the Internet or
digital technologies have advantages and disadvantages. Yes, you may have the freedom to share ideas or information with
other online. Still, your social responsibility is to ensure that what you shared is accurate to protect yourself and other Internet
users.

To achieve cyber wellness, follow these three principles:

Respect for Self & Others

 Avoid the use of words that can spark conflicts in social media or online games.
 Avoid sharing or posting insensitive memes, messages, photos or videos that can provoke public shaming or cause
insult or anxiety to others.
 Be polite and considerate when others share different ideas or opinions.

Safe and Responsible Use

 Consider the harm that may result from irresponsible use of social media.
  Avoid sharing confidential or personal information online with people you are not familiar with.
 Balance your offline and online activities.
 When you notice photos or videos uploaded to bully or harass another, report it to the authorities or trusted adults.
 Beware of people you meet online. Make a background check before deciding to meet them.
 Make sure your password and username are kept with the utmost confidentiality. Others may use them for their
benefit.

Positive Peer Influence

 Show respect when expressing ideas or opinions online.

 Before sharing a link of news or post on your social media account, verify the facts, value, or purpose.
 Share the benefits of taking a vacation from social media and dedicating time to self-care activities like eating,
chores, reading books, or exercising with your family or friends.
 Observe school policies regarding the use of social media, such as Facebook, for educational reasons.
 If a friend tells you that a post makes her feel down or anxious, suggest unfollowing or blocking the person or page
that caused that negative feeling.

The Sense-Think-Act Process

          Cyber wellness is not an overnight course to take. It is a procedure that must be done repetitively. Thus, it takes time to
learn how to maintain a positive outlook when using media and information. Responsible use of media and information
involves sensing, thinking, and doing the act (Ministry of Education-Singapore, 2010).