The NeildaVerse #13: A Script

Dec 15, 2020

Mark Zuckerberg said What??!

What if I told you
that Mark Zuckerberg said,

“I wish I could keep telling you
that our mission in life
is connecting people,
but it isn't.

We just want to predict
your future behaviors...
the more you express yourself,
the more we own you."

Would you believe me?

What if I showed you this?

Would you believe it now?

Before you share with people that might care...

What if I told you this was all fake?

It’s an art installation by Brandalism Project
made using artificial intelligence.

Confusing, isn’t it?

This feeling, my friends,
is made possible
by misinformation
and disinformation.

But what’s the difference?

Misinformation
is false information
that is spread,
regardless of intent
to mislead.

Disinformation
is false and bad information,
meant to cause harm
and mislead.

Both are a problem.

Misinformation
and disinformation
aren’t new.

Long ago,
there were witch hunts
that burned
thousands of people
based on rumors.

In 1835, there was
the Great Moon Hoax
And people thought
there were life and civilization
on the Moon.

And don’t forget
the flat Earth theory.
People had the belief
that the Earth was flat.
Some still believe that today.

Misinformation
and disinformation
is spreading faster.

Social media is
making that possible.

With the click of a button
You can share something
to hundreds of people
in seconds.

We’re not spending time
thinking about
whether it’s true.

It takes too long.
And we’re impatient.

This can have
serious consequences.

It ruins reputations.
It interferes with governments.
It interferes with elections.
It leads to physical harm.
It ruins lives.

But here’s the thing.

People care about the truth.
Companies
are discovering ways
to help us find the truth.

Companies like Truepic
that helps us verify
if a photo or video is real.

Companies like Snopes
we can reference
to sort out myths
and rumors.

Don’t forget academic journals
that has been reviewed
by experts in particular topics.

As for you.

As the reader,
the viewer,
and the listener who has
the power.

The power to believe.
The power to review.
The power to fact-check.
The power to share.

Misinformation
and disinformation
Stops with you.

Before you share because you care.
Care before you share.

Neilda Notes