This paper presents points which the media should take into consideration in reporting counter news against misinformation or disinformation. The following shows the gist of matters to be noted.
- Lacking novelty, or news hook, compared to original misinformation or disinformation, counter news spread less easily. Therefore, counter news must be reported repeatedly.
- If counter news is released too soon, it reaches people who do not know the original misinformation or disinformation, which may allow the misinformation or disinformation to take on a life of its own as they have a strong news hook.
- Messages in counter news calling for not getting swayed by misinformation or disinformation must be designed not to provoke audience’s psychological resistance or backlash.
- Many rumors are made of facts and errors. Lumping them together as “false rumors” may lead to a misconception that every rumor has no basis in fact and is a lie.
- Fake videos may become more artful, taking advantage of machine learning of artificial intelligence. In the United States, media organizations and universities are developing technologies to distinguish fake videos from authentic ones. Sophisticated fake videos may spread in Japan, too.
- Even if counter news is reported on TV or radio, viewers and listeners may miss or misunderstand the report or judge prematurely. It will be useful if counter information (texts and charts) on the internet become accessible from TV screen as needed.