After Russia’s attack, last week, social media proved an important channel for information dissemination in Ukraine. Individuals on the ground have found that social media platforms are a vital communication channel, which allows them to stay in touch with the rest the world.

However, misinformation has not been lacking from war zones. It has been more difficult than usual to navigate social media during wartime.

Social media is a useful tool in crisis situations, such as the one in Ukraine. Julianna Kirschner from the University of Southern California, lecturer in the Master of Communication Management program said that it can serve as a useful place for activists and political organizing.

But, disinformation and misinformation are rampant and it can prove difficult to discern what is true or false. Kirschner shared his thoughts via email about how communication between Snake Islanders and Russian warships went viral shortly before the outbreak of crisis. According to initial social media reports, Snake Island residents were believed to have been killed. Later, it was revealed that they had been taken prisoner after running out ammunition. They were unable to distribute the confusing reports via social media, leaving many users confused as to what really is happening in Ukraine.

Communication boils down to trust.

This is true for both individual communication as well as organizational communication. Trust is destroyed by misinformation, while truthful and verifiable information builds it. Trust and communication are vital, particularly in situations of crisis and stress,” said John Born (visiting assistant professor) and executive in residence for the Ohio University Master of Public Administration Program.

Social media trust problems are not something to be denied. Born suggested users should focus on the things they can control.

He continued, “Push information in as fast as you can and in as many formats as possible.” This is a contest for trust. The ball will not move if you shout from the stands. Make sure you have a strategy with honest messages, and then get on the field and try to win trust. Prioritize your priorities and allocate the resources and time necessary to ensure that misinformation is corrected and challenged as quickly as possible.

This is crucial to ensure a proactive communication defense. It doesn’t matter if something gets retweeted or shared thousands of times. It is easy to spread misinformation.

Born said, “Find faith in good and truth winning in the end.” It is not possible to win all the time, or for everyone. Communication is an ongoing marathon.

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Source:: Social Media Explorer