An aside:

When we considered whether weather documentaries could be useful tools in explaining, exploring, or even combating disinformation, I was definitely in favour of their usefulness.  According to Merriam-Webster, a documentary is “a presentation (such as a film or novel) expressing or dealing with factual events: a documentary presentation”, which lends them a certain credibility. Documentaries have long been heralded as valuable educational tools. They can shed light on complex issues, present in-depth analysis, and give viewers a rich understanding of various subjects. Their format allows for detailed exploration, often combining expert interviews, historical footage, and compelling narratives to create a powerful and engaging experience. This makes them particularly effective in explaining and exploring disinformation, as they can break down intricate topics and present clear, evidence-based accounts that help demystify false information. However, this leads me to an important point: while documentaries can be powerful in presenting factual information, they can also be used to spread disinformation under the guise of being factual. The credibility associated with the documentary format can be misleading if the creators have an agenda or if the information presented is selectively biased or manipulated. This semester, my group and I often discussed potential topics for our documentary. These discussions frequently touched on whether our chosen topics were genuinely suitable for factual sharing or if we were using the documentary format to present our own biases. This process highlighted the delicate balance between objective reporting and subjective interpretation. We realized that our perspectives could influence the narrative even with the best intentions, potentially leading to a skewed representation of the facts. This brings me back to my initial thought: documentaries can indeed be useful tools to explain and explore disinformation. However, they do not inherently combat disinformation. Instead, they can combat or perpetuate disinformation, depending on the intentions and perspectives of those creating them. For instance, a well-researched and balanced documentary can effectively debunk myths and present a clear, factual counter-narrative to prevailing falsehoods.

Conversely, a documentary driven by a specific agenda or biased viewpoint can reinforce misconceptions and spread misinformation, further complicating the public’s understanding of the truth. While I believe documentaries have the potential to be very effective in explaining and exploring disinformation, their impact largely depends on the hands and minds wielding this powerful media form. As creators and consumers of documentaries, it is crucial to remain vigilant, critically assess the sources, and strive for accuracy and objectivity to ensure that this influential medium serves to inform rather than mislead.

 

With the above said, I believe our work does a wonderful job of explaining disinformation and its cognitive beginnings and combating its ability to perpetuate within society by actively informing and educating viewers on how to avoid the pitfalls that disinformation presents. The masses most easily adopt disinformation because of herd mentality (Elkins and Hoffman 2012). As Elkins and Hoffman (2021) note, “We are social creatures, swayed by the group, even willing to sacrifice the truth just to fit in.” This social dynamic fuels disinformation, as individuals often conform to the group (whether in person or through social media) rather than challenge prevailing narratives. Our documentary effectively discusses and informs our audience of this inherent tendency, providing tools and strategies to recognize and resist disinformation.

Our documentary employs a multifaceted approach to dissecting disinformation. We delve into Dr Jonathan Haidt’s “righteous” theory, which suggests “that not only is the human mind intrinsically moral but it’s also intrinsically moralistic, and judgmental” (Mondragon,  2019). This need can drive individuals to adopt and spread disinformation to align themselves with perceived moral or ideological superiority (Haidt 2012). By understanding this psychological drive, viewers can become more aware of how their need for self-righteousness might make them susceptible to false information and, more importantly, push their ideas onto someone who disagrees with satisfying their own righteousness (Haidt, 2012), as often the biggest deterer of negative behaviour is self-reflection and seeing a disliked quality in oneself to then change.

We address the crucial topic of social media literacy. Given social media’s pervasive influence on modern communication, our documentary emphasizes the importance of critically evaluating the information encountered online. We explore how dopamine deficits drive the compulsion to scroll on phones (Ruder 2019), creating a feedback loop that can make users more vulnerable to absorbing disinformation without critical assessment (Elkins and Hoffmann 2021). By educating viewers on how social media platforms can manipulate attention and engagement through dopamine-driven interactions (Ruder 2019), we aim to foster more mindful and critical digital content consumption and make avid social media users aware of the prevalence of encountering disinformation while scrolling.

Another significant aspect covered in our documentary is the segregation caused by social media and the growing loneliness of the generation being raised on ‘iPads’ (Ruder 2019). Algorithms often create echo chambers, reinforcing existing beliefs and isolating users from diverse perspectives (Mondragon 2019), pushing people further and further away from social conversations that are open and inviting to new ideas and perspectives that don’t reflect their own. This digital segregation exacerbates polarization and makes it easier for disinformation to spread unchecked (Elkins and Hoffmann 2021). Our documentary highlights the importance of breaking out of these echo chambers through intentional exposure to diverse viewpoints and engaging in meaningful conversations at any and all opportunities (such as by a water cooler) to engage with the broadest of belief conflicts, stressing the need for open-minded conversations to counteract susceptibility to disinformation (Elkins and Hoffmann 2021). We argue that dialogue and debate are essential for broadening perspectives and fostering critical thinking. By encouraging viewers to engage in discussions with those who hold different opinions, we hope to promote a more informed and less polarized society.

In summary, while I believe documentaries have the potential to be very effective in explaining and exploring disinformation, their impact largely depends on the hands and minds wielding this powerful media form. As creators and consumers of documentaries, it is crucial to remain vigilant, critically assess the sources, and strive for accuracy and objectivity to ensure that this influential medium serves to inform rather than mislead. By focusing on these principles, our documentary aims to benefit viewers by enhancing their understanding of disinformation and empowering them to make more informed decisions, which in turn helps our viewers combat disinformation. Our work helps to build a more discerning and resilient society by raising awareness and promoting critical thinking in the face of disinformation.

 

I firmly believe that our documentary can benefit everyone. Regardless of how well-versed someone is with the internet or how little they engage with it, anyone with internet access can gain valuable insights from understanding the ease with which we can be influenced by the information we encounter. Our documentary is especially beneficial for those who want to become more critical consumers of information. It sheds light on how easily disinformation can be spread and how our natural tendency to cling to our beliefs can make us vulnerable to falsehoods. This is crucial knowledge for anyone who wants to navigate the digital landscape more effectively.

Individuals who frequently engage in online or offline discussions will find our documentary enlightening. It highlights the impact of group dynamics on our thinking, encouraging viewers to engage in open and meaningful conversations with people holding different opinions. This approach broadens perspectives and helps process and accept multiple viewpoints, ultimately fostering a more inclusive and thoughtful dialogue. Our documentary is designed to be universally beneficial. It aims to equip viewers with the tools to critically evaluate information, understand the psychological and social mechanisms behind disinformation, and engage more constructively in public discourse. Whether you’re a seasoned internet user or less familiar with the digital world, our documentary offers valuable lessons to enhance your understanding and interaction with information in today’s society.

 

 

 

 

References:

Elkins and Hoffmann (2021) From UFOs to COVID conspiracy theories, we all struggle with the ‘truth out there’, The Conversation Website, Accessed 30 May 2024. https://theconversation.com/from-ufos-to-covid-conspiracy-theories-we-all-struggle-with-the-truth-out-there-163483

Haidt J (2012) A Righteous Mind: Why Good People Are Divided by Politics & Religion, Penguin Books, United Kingdom.

Mondragon A (2019) A Righteous Mind: Why Good People Are Divided by Politics & Religion (Commentary), Medium Website, Accessed 30 May 2024.https://mondragon-ai.medium.com/a-righteous-mind-why-good-people-are-divided-by-politics-religion-commentary-8fc344b4f05e

Ruder D B (2019) Screen Time and the Brain: Digital devices can interfere with everything from sleep to creativity, Harvard Medical School Website, Accessed 30 May 2024. https://hms.harvard.edu/news/screen-time-brain