Navigating Mis/Disinformation and Polarisation in Migration Narratives
On Wednesday, November 6th, our workshop Navigating Mis/Disinformation and Polarisation in Migration Narratives brought together students and educators to explore strategies for addressing polarisation and the spread of disinformation in contemporary discourse. The event coincided with critical global developments, such as the announcement of Donald Trump's election victory, providing a timely backdrop for engaging with these pressing challenges.
The session began by highlighting examples of mis/disinformation shared by the participants. Locally, topics like nitrogen policies and claims that immigration drives the housing crisis in the Netherlands sparked discussion. On the international stage, contentious narratives such as the Israel-Gaza conflict, US election disinformation, and conspiracy theories linking 5G technology to autism underscored the widespread nature of polarisation.
Building on these examples, the workshop introduced Bart Brandsma’s polarisation theory. The discussion focused on the often-overlooked "grey middle," a silent demographic caught between polarised extremes. Participants reflected on the importance of engaging this group to foster dialogue and reduce divisive tensions, rather than fixating solely on the vocal poles of contentious debates.
A thought-provoking video offered valuable insights into the underlying causes of polarisation. It highlighted how humans are inherently guided by emotions and tribal instincts, frequently prioritising group cohesion over objective reasoning. Participants reflected on the psychological barriers to changing minds and the need to emphasize shared identities and goals when engaging with opposing viewpoints.
In an engaging role-play activity, attendees examined strategies for addressing polarisation in classroom settings. The exercise was framed around the COVID-19 pandemic and anti-vaccination sentiment, prompting participants to debate whether to confront extreme views directly or focus on shared goals. Ultimately, the group emphasized the value of prioritising common objectives—such as school safety—to navigate polarised discussions constructively.
The workshop also introduced practical tools such as the Stop, Think, Check framework and Fact Check Explorer, empowering participants to analyse misinformation critically. In one group activity, participants applied these tools to migration-related case studies. Their analyses revealed two recurring patterns: the misuse of emotionally charged images to depict migration as an "invasion" and the frequent absence of verified evidence in social media arguments. These exercises reinforced the importance of verifying sources and evaluating claims with a critical lens.
By the end of the workshop, several key takeaways emerged. Participants recognized the value of frameworks like Bart Brandsma's polarisation model, which served as a wake-up call to focus on bridging divides. The tools introduced were widely praised for their practical application, especially in the context of navigating disinformation during events like the US elections. Importantly, participants acknowledged the need for humility in the face of conflicting information and the importance of being open to challenging their own biases.
Key Takeaways
Tools for Navigating Disinformation
Participants valued the I2I tools recognising their potential in addressing disinformation, particularly in the context of the US elections.Insights into Polarisation
Brandsma’s polarisation model resonated as a "wake-up call," underscoring the necessity of engaging the silent middle to bridge divides.Shifting from Conflict to Collaboration
Role-play and discussions highlighted that addressing polarisation effectively requires focusing on shared goals rather than escalating conflicts.Recognising Fallibility
Acknowledging personal biases and the possibility of being wrong was seen as a critical step toward meaningful dialogue and understanding.Clearer Understanding of Mis/Disinformation
Participants distinguished between disinformation (intentional), misinformation (unintentional), and malinformation (misleading yet factual). This nuanced understanding helps in tailoring responses to different contexts.
If you're keen to enhance your ability to analyse and evaluate information in today's digital landscape, while developing essential critical thinking and media literacy skills, be sure to subscribe to the Immune2Infodemic course!
