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By Brady Jones
In a digital age where information travels faster than ever before, being able to separate fact from fiction is not just a skill — it’s a form of community defence.
Following the wake of Education Week earlier this month, safeguarding residents is becoming more important as fake news multiplies. According to the World Economic Forum, one of our top global risks is disinformation and misinformation.
It’s important to understand the difference between the two. Disinformation is the more dangerous, as it misleads readers with deliberate intent to deceive, spreading information absent of truthful facts. Misinformation, on the other hand, is when someone gets the facts wrong — by ignorance or accident — with or without malicious intent.
Equipping Hawkesbury residents, young and old, with the ability to recognise fake news is an essential first step in fighting back. From flood rumours, pandemic myths, and scare campaigns to deepfakes in politics, fake news has real-world consequences. It can divide communities, damage reputations, incite panic, and influence major decisions, from elections to emergency responses.
Fake news isn't just bad reporting or unpopular opinions — it's designed to manipulate emotions or beliefs. It might appear as a sensational headline on social media, a doctored video, or even a quote taken out of context to stir outrage or fear.
Anyone can fall for fake news — even the smartest among us. Research shows that people under time pressure or emotional stress are more likely to share it without checking the facts. Older adults and less tech-savvy users may also find it harder to spot digital fakes. Highly polarised issues like politics or health tend to attract and spread more false information.
Education is our best defence. It starts right here in the Hawkesbury — in schools, libraries, homes, community centres, and online groups.
To build a more informed and resilient community, checking the source should be your first response. Ask: Is it a reputable outlet? Does the website have an editorial team or fact-checking policy? Look beyond sensational headlines and read the full article before reacting or sharing. Cross-check information with other reliable sources — misinformation rarely holds up under scrutiny. If it’s fake news, report it. Platforms like Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and X (Twitter) allow users to report misleading content.
Locally, many Hawkesbury schools are teaching students to analyse sources, question bias, and evaluate online content. Public libraries offer digital literacy programs, Link Wentworth Hub runs tech lessons at the Hawkesbury Leisure and Learning Centre in Richmond, and local media — including the Gazette — are committed to fact-based journalism.
But we can do more. Start conversations in your home, school, workplace, or sports club about responsible media use. As the Australian Government's eSafety Commissioner reminds us, it’s everyone’s responsibility to call out fake news to keep themselves and their community safe.
Being informed is not just a personal responsibility — it’s a civic one, in a world where truth matters more than ever.
