As rescue efforts continue in the aftermath of deadly flash floods in central Texas, the line between fact and fiction is being blurred as some try to explain the tragedy.
Misinformation and conspiracy theories tend to thrive in the wake of natural disasters, as people search for updates amid a changing landscape. “It creates this fruitful ground for spreading misinformation, because people are so attentive, trying to find more information, trying to find more context, and that opens the way for malicious actors, or just people that are maybe not as educated on this topic, to knowingly or unknowingly share falsehoods,” says Nathan Walter, associate professor in the department of communication studies at Northwestern University.
False information can impact individuals’ ability to receive the help they need in the event of a disaster. In the aftermath of Hurricane Helene last fall, false information about FEMA aid payments and assistance was widespread sowing confusion over what assistance victims were entitled to. Misinformation can also create confusion or risk sensationalizing tragedy. Following the wildfires in Los Angeles in January, fake images showed the Hollywood sign on fire—though the area was not in the path of the fire. Acting on conspiracy theories, meanwhile, can put people in harm’s way. Currently, false claims that cloud seeding somehow triggered the Texas floods is leading to violence.
How to spot a conspiracy theory
In the wake of natural disasters, it’s important to be on the lookout for misinformation—and experts say there are tips you can use to better spot and prevent the spread of false information.
Read more: What Made the Texas Floods So Devastating?
First, it’s important to think critically about the information you’re seeing and who is posting it before you amplify it, says Walter, “Slow down. Take your time. Really try to read and engage with information.” Research shows that most people share links on social media without reading them first.
Build up a list of sources you trust, and see if the information you’re finding online has been confirmed by those vetted sources.
“I encourage people to, over time, cultivate a relationship with specific news outlets that they trust, and rely on them, as opposed to just picking up the something that someone tweeted,” says Walter.
If you’re looking for up-to-date information, turn to experts before relying on individuals posting to social media—be it local news or officials in the area. “Look to what actual experts are saying, rather than relying upon dubious social media posts,” says Michael Mann, director of the Penn Center for Science, Sustainability and the Media and co-author of Science Under Siege.
Ask yourself a few simple questions before sharing information you see on the internet. “Is it really likely to happen? Can you…see who is the original source of this information, or is it just commentary?” says Walter. “Because often, especially as news breaks, you will see that there’s no actual source [on many social media posts]. They’re not referencing something in the real world. It’s just completely made up.” And remember, if it seems way too good—or bad—to be true, it likely is.
As content generated by artificial intelligence becomes more common, experts warn that tactics for spreading misinformation are only going to get more sophisticated—and harder to catch. “This is all very preliminary,” says Walter. “It’s like we’re trying to capture a moving target that, frankly, just gets a little bit more sophisticated in escaping us all the time.”
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