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What steps help avoid misinformation? · Wellbeing Solutions - Ask A Counsellor

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  SPEAKER_00: Steps help avoid misinformation.
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  SPEAKER_00: During and after a crisis, people naturally want information.
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  SPEAKER_00: When information is incomplete, however, uncertainty can quickly be filled by assumptions, rumours, and speculations.
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  SPEAKER_00: This can increase anxiety and sometimes create additional risks.
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  SPEAKER_00: One of the most important principles of crisis communication is simple.
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  SPEAKER_00: Verify information before sharing it.
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  SPEAKER_00: If you don't know whether something is true, don't present it as fact.
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  SPEAKER_00: It's better to say we don't have that information yet than to provide an answer that later turns out to be incorrect.
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  SPEAKER_00: Where possible, establish a trusted source of information.
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  SPEAKER_00: In a workplace, this might be a designated incident lead, senior manager or communications team.
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  SPEAKER_00: In a wider emergency, it might be the emergency services, NHS, local authority, or another relevant official organisation.
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  SPEAKER_00: Try to distinguish clearly between three things: what is known, what isn't yet known, and what people need to do now.
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  SPEAKER_00: This can be particularly helpful psychologically because uncertainty increases our tendency to look for explanations.
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  SPEAKER_00: When people understand that some information simply isn't available yet, there is less space for speculation to become mistaken for fact.
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  SPEAKER_00: Avoid forwarding screenshots, social media posts, messages, or second-hand accounts simply because they appear convincing.
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  SPEAKER_00: Check where the information originally came from and whether the source is reliable.
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  SPEAKER_00: Confidentiality matters too.
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  SPEAKER_00: During a critical incident, people may be tempted to share names, photographs, medical information or details about the people involved.
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  SPEAKER_00: Don't share personal or sensitive information unless you are authorised to do so and there is an appropriate reason.
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  SPEAKER_00: If correct information has already been circulated, correct it promptly and clearly.
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  SPEAKER_00: Avoid quietly changing the message and hoping nobody notices.
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  SPEAKER_00: Explain what was incorrect and provide the verified information now available.
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  SPEAKER_00: Regular communication can also reduce rumours.
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  SPEAKER_00: Even if there is no major update, telling people that the situation is still being managed and when they can expect further information can reduce the pressure to search elsewhere for answers.
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  SPEAKER_00: And be mindful of emotional language.
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  SPEAKER_00: In frightening situations, dramatic or speculative wording can increase distress.
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  SPEAKER_00: Communicate calmly, clearly, and factually without minimising what has happened.
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  SPEAKER_00: If you're unsure whether information should be shared, pause and check with the person or organization responsible for managing the incident.
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  SPEAKER_00: During a crisis, being first with information is less important than being accurate.
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  SPEAKER_00: Clear communication means sharing what is known, being honest about what remains uncertain, and making sure people know where to find reliable updates.