Stories shape how we make sense of the world and influence the decisions we make.
Increasingly, harmful groups exploit a lack of knowledge and familiarity with minority groups, and media sensationalism, to spread prejudicial stories – with serious consequences. Prejudicially motivated content can go viral in a matter of hours, and result in even well-intentioned individuals making decisions and taking actions that might cause harm or exacerbate existing inequalities.
A 2024 nationally representative study by the Alan Turing Institute found that 94% of adults in the UK reported witnessing misinformation on social media.
EIS activists, teachers and lecturers have been saying for years that prejudicial attitudes and behaviours are on the rise, that they are concerned about what they are hearing from their learners, concerned that some parents are disengaging from the school community, and concerned about how to support colleagues to access accurate information and take equality initiatives forward within the current context – where some groups and individuals are explicitly targeting disinformation towards those who are promoting equality and diversity.
EIS activists, teachers and lecturers have been saying for years that prejudicial attitudes and behaviours are on the rise, that they are concerned about what they are hearing from their learners
These are valid concerns, against a backdrop of increasing prevalence and “normalisation” of prejudicial narratives that have crept into our media, into our politics, and for many, into our everyday encounters with learners, parents, and colleagues. These prejudicial narratives tell extremely emotive and powerful stories that spread like wildfire, and it can be very difficult to know what to do.
‘Disrupt Disinformation – Let’s Change the Story’ is the EIS’s new project to support members to address disinformation and prejudice, and promote equality, diversity and inclusion through evidence based social dialogue and strategies that foster critical thinking and encourage political literacy.
At a time where prejudicial disinformation seeks to divide our communities, we need to bring people in, to foster inclusion and to ensure nobody is left behind.
‘Disrupt Disinformation – Let’s Change the Story’ includes guidance for members on addressing disinformation, and a social media campaign which uses the power of stories to share six key messages with evidence-based approaches rooted in empathy and strategic social dialogue.
- Harmful narratives lose their power when we stop repeating them. Don’t repeat disinformation
Evidence shows that prejudicial and negative narratives are so powerful that even when we try to refute them, we might inadvertently help them spread. Research suggests we should put far more effort into positive counter messaging.
- Anyone can be influenced by disinformation, as it is designed to evoke strong emotions.
Groups who seek to spread division tap into our legitimate worries about our lives, our grievances, our fears for the future – their stories try to tell us who the villains are, and who the heroes are – and unfortunately, their narratives are highly emotive and influential.
- Some people are more vulnerable to online disinformation.
Most people who believe prejudicial narratives, would not describe themselves as far-right. Crisis, deprivation, and isolation are all factors that increase communities’ and individuals’ vulnerability to the influence of prejudicial disinformation.
- Empathy opens up the dialogue.
Empathetically listening to people’s underlying concerns can help reduce isolation and vulnerability to disinformation by building trust and continued engagement.
- Build resilience in young people against disinformation – encourage critical literacy.
Critical as well as political literacy are crucial for young people to empower them to navigate a complex and overwhelming information landscape that is highly shaped by prejudicial disinformation both online and in person.
- Bringing people together protects against divisive rhetoric.
Preventative measures can reduce vulnerability to the impact of disinformation. If people know and trust one another, we stand stronger against attempts to divide us.