Handwashing graphic

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" by Walter Butler, Aloha Sargent, and Kelsey Smith, licensed under CC BY 4.0

Caulfield, Mike. “Info-Environmentalism: An Introduction.” EDUCAUSE Review, vol. 52, no. 6, Nov/Dec. 2017. Licensed under CC BY 4.0

Caulfield, Mike. “It Can Take As Little as Thirty Seconds, Seriously.” Hapgood, 23 Jan. 2018.

Caulfield, Mike. “Misinformation Is a Norovirus and the Web Is a Cruise Ship.” Hapgood, 17 Feb. 2017.

Image: “Hand Sanitizer” by Freepik, adapted by Aloha Sargent, from Flaticon.com

Image: “Recycle” by Freepik, adapted by Aloha Sargent, from Flaticon.com

Image: “Wash Your Hands” by United Nations COVID-19 Response is in the Public Domain, CC0

“Novel Coronavirus(2019-nCoV): Situation Report – 13.” World Health Organization, 2 Feb. 2020.

“Practice Information Hygiene.” The Sift, News Literacy Project, 16 Mar. 2020.