IL3_Web Reliability _ITE119-40

1.  based on this article how can one modify their personal online behavior so as to not have been fooled by this chemical plant explosion hoax

one can modify their personal online behavior by not spreading retweeting or sharing alarming news unless confirmed by official news pages or the authorities. This can be done by following the links given to determine if the sources are collect, if its major news one should go directly to websites of the main media houses to see if they have reported on the same. This is particularly true if the accounts spreading the news are using hashtags. Also look out for accounts that tend to be hyper partisan because they are most likely to spread propaganda. If there is a video link given and the person English or accent is off, then there is reason to question the news.

• What are some of the ramifications of such a modified individual behavior?

The ramification of such modified individual conduct is that waiting to verify the news can put you in real danger. if for example the toxic fumes hazard was true one could have been in danger of exhaling the toxic fumes therefore risking their health.

• Why is Russia spending so much treasure and resources on this effort?

Russia wants to keep its opposition on check because social media is one of the places where those opposing the government had found a foothold so they infiltrate it with trolls who praise the government and admonish their opposition. They also want to antagonize the citizens of country’s they believe are against them by using topics that are of real concerns to the public such racism, terrorism and pandemics.

• Compare the ramifications of this article with Renee Descartes Dubito, ergo corgito, ergo sum. 

Renee philosophy is all about belief “I think therefore I am” he wanted people to know that they are real because they think. The article however introduces the element of doubt i.e. you can’t believe everything you read on social media. Although things said on social media can be true, social media can also be used to spread information that is not true. Therefore, the need to confirm it. Just because it has been shared does not mean it is true.