Misinformation: A different kind of storm

That’s disgusting. And also not true.

Also not true is the premise that large militia groups are hunting down FEMA workers. To be more specific, that claim was exaggerated. A single individual, 44-year-old William Jacob Parsons, was charged with making threatening comments about FEMA workers. He was armed with a rifle and a handgun.

These tales spun on social media are sometimes called fake news or misinformation. In most cases, they are outright lies designed to create confusion and anger.

Here are some other whoppers in the post-Helene landscape:

• The $750 emergency payment from FEMA is a loan (not true).
• FEMA is confiscating hurricane donations (not true).
• The government created the hurricane (not even going to comment).
• The FAA is restricting airspace for Helene rescue and recovery operations (not true).
• Thousands of people are still missing in Western North Carolina (not true).
• FEMA dollars were spent on border-related issues (not true).

The danger of these lies — yes, lies — cannot be overstated, especially when it comes to crises where lives and livelihoods are at stake. For those caught in the chaos, these lies can be deadly. Imagine believing that a bridge is safe when it’s been washed out. Imagine staying behind during an evacuation because some tweet told you it was all an exaggeration.

Misinformation is not new, but it is becoming more pervasive. Like kudzu, it’s found everywhere: our texts, email inboxes, and social media feeds. Modern misinformation is particularly dangerous because it is often disguised as news and public service announcements. And we are all particularly vulnerable during emergencies like hurricanes, pandemics, or … political events.

North Carolina opened early voting locations for the November general election on Thursday. According to the Burke County Board of Elections, 3,278 voters came out on Thursday to cast their ballots, 456 more than the first day in 2020. Robust lines began forming even before doors opened, and a steady stream continued throughout the day from Glen Alpine Town Hall to Rutherford College.

The last six years have been filled with lies and innuendo about fraudulent voting and easily manipulated ballot machines. Here in Burke, representatives from both the Democratic and Republican parties test the machines. (Don’t worry. The machines are apolitical). Burke Board of Elections Director Kenny Rhyne also explained the machines are not connected to the internet. There is no malware being downloaded nor is your vote being changed after you leave the booth.

An election on the heels of a hurricane is ripe for any number of conspiracy theories, false statements, and accusations. Read social media posts with a healthy dose of skepticism and critical thinking. Support reliable news outlets like The Paper.

Don’t let lies become the floodwaters that wash away common sense. Put on your seatbelt. The next few months might be bumpy. We’ll get through the storm together.