4.3 Information Hygiene & Info-Environmentalism
Information Hygiene
The term information hygiene refers to the “metaphorical handwashing" you engage in to prevent the spread of disinformation (Caulfield, “It Can Take”).
This idea has gained prominence during the COVID-19 pandemic, as we have witnessed an outbreak of misinformation, disinformation, and conspiracies. The World Health Organization (WHO) and other experts have even referred to the COVID-19 pandemic as an “infodemic”—an epidemic of information, or an "over-abundance of information—some accurate and some not—that makes it hard for people to find trustworthy sources and reliable guidance when they need it.”
This is a stark example of the real-world impact that our online information can have. In this case, false information that we view, like, and share can actually help to shape the public perceptions about the pandemic, as well as our responses and decisions about how to behave. Can you think of any other recent examples that demonstrate the real-world impact of disinformation?
Info-Environmentalism
If our information environment is polluted, we shouldn’t abandon it—instead, we should help to clean it up. If we are frustrated with low-quality Google results, or with the content posted on platforms like Facebook, why not clean it up by posting as much reliable information as we can?
Of course, a big part of this movement will involve putting pressure on the platforms themselves to act responsibly. But we, as consumers and creators, can also participate in the process through direct action. Here are some examples of actions you might take to improve the information environment (Caulfield, “Info-Environmentalism”):
- Minimize your own “misinformation footprint” by being more thoughtful about what you post and share on social media. Do a quick fact-check first.
- Shift your focus from arguing points to explaining things to others.
- When you do share information, use evidence and cite your sources (more on this later!!)
Adapted from "Introduction to College Research Links to an external site." by Walter Butler, Aloha Sargent, and Kelsey Smith, licensed under CC BY 4.0 Links to an external site.
Caulfield, Mike. “Info-Environmentalism: An Introduction Links to an external site..” EDUCAUSE Review, vol. 52, no. 6, Nov/Dec. 2017. Licensed under CC BY 4.0 Links to an external site.
Caulfield, Mike. “It Can Take As Little as Thirty Seconds, Seriously Links to an external site..” Hapgood, 23 Jan. 2018.
Caulfield, Mike. “Misinformation Is a Norovirus and the Web Is a Cruise Ship Links to an external site..” Hapgood, 17 Feb. 2017.
Image: “Hand Sanitizer Links to an external site.” by Freepik, Links to an external site. adapted by Aloha Sargent Links to an external site., from Flaticon.com Links to an external site.
Image: “Recycle Links to an external site.” by Freepik, Links to an external site. adapted by Aloha Sargent Links to an external site., from Flaticon.com Links to an external site.
Image: “Wash Your Hands” by United Nations COVID-19 Response is in the Public Domain, CC0 Links to an external site.
“Novel Coronavirus(2019-nCoV): Situation Report – 13 Links to an external site..” World Health Organization, 2 Feb. 2020.
“Practice Information Hygiene Links to an external site..” The Sift, News Literacy Project, 16 Mar. 2020.