Uniting Technology and Society: A Comprehensive Strategy Against Hoaxes
Information distribution can occur directly or indirectly. Indirect distribution of information can be carried out through online media, such as social media applications, which are widely popular among the general public today. The information spread is often difficult to filter due to the ease of access to distribution channels. This ease of access results in the rapid spread and belief in information that may not necessarily be true, thus fostering the seeds of false information or hoaxes. Hoax is information that has not been verified as true, as it should contain factual data.
By 2023, Kominfo has handled 12,547 hoaxes, with the largest number in the health sector, about 2,357 issues. As an effort to tackle these hoaxes, Kominfo has cut off access to content identified as a hoax. This access termination is aimed to prevent the wide distribution of hoax content and to protect the public.
This article aims to understand how hoaxes can rapidly develop on social media and how to determine the truthfulness of such information. The theoretical foundation used is the theory of truth in philosophy as a reference for studying the rapid development of hoaxes. In a broader societal context, this article hopes to actively contribute to combating the spread of hoaxes.
Before diving into the topic of discussion or its application in society, we can first explore the theory of truth in philosophy. The theory of truth in philosophy is divided into 4 (four) types:
Correspondence Theory
The correspondence theory posits that a proposition of information is considered true if it corresponds with the facts or reality that exist in the world. Truth can be directly verified through experience and observation of the real world.
For example, the sun rises from the east and the truth of this statement no longer needs verification.
Coherence Theory
The coherence theory views information as true by examining previous statements that have been proven true and requiring internal consistency. Coherence theory differs from correspondence theory in the basis for proving truth.
In correspondence theory, the truth of information depends on its relationship with existing facts, whereas in coherence theory, the truth depends on pre-existing consistency.
For example, if someone claims that a shark is still alive in a city park pond, according to correspondence theory, the statement’s truth depends on whether the fish is alive or not. According to coherence theory, however, the statement is not true because sharks are saltwater fish and could not live in the freshwater of a city park pond.
Pragmatic Theory
The pragmatic theory offers a different perspective on the basis for proving truth compared to the above two theories. Correspondence and coherence theories place the basis of proving truth on objective factors and logical consistency, whereas pragmatism considers truth to lie in its practical utility. This theory applies not only in the empirical world but also in metaphysics. Pragmatism emerged as a critique of positivist views which claimed that metaphysics is meaningless because it is not based on empirical facts.
For example is someone stating that “evil people will go to hell”. According to pragmatic theory, this statement lacks empirical evidence to back it up. However, it might be considered true if it serves to reduce crime rates.
Performative Theory
Performative theory results from J. L. Austin’s distinction between constative statements, which can be tested for truth like in correspondence theory, and performative statements, whose truth cannot be proved through objective facts like in coherence theory. This type of statements is not about the truth of the proposition, because its distribution is justified or not by the speaker. The truth in performative statements depends on the authority of the speaker.
For example is the determination of the beginning of Ramadan. This determination is based on the objective fact of the sighting of the crescent moon to mark the beginning of the month, but it is difficult for the general public to directly verify this through their senses, so the determination depends on the Ministry of Religion, which is considered competent and authoritative in deciding the start of Ramadan.
Application in Society
The current issue is the extent to which the aforementioned theories of truth can be used to reduce the spread of hoaxes. For example, if the public encounters information that can be accessed through the senses, they can implement the correspondence theory. However, if not, they can implement the coherence theory. Furthermore, when information is disseminated using media such as images or videos, additional facts are needed to test its truthfulness. In this testing process, the pragmatic theory can be implemented. Meanwhile, if there is information on a specific topic or issue, it is better and wise to confirm it with an authority in the field or by implementing the performative theory.
Steps to Combat Hoaxes
From the application in society, we can conclude the steps to combat hoaxes. Include:
Be cautious of provocative titles:
Provocative titles are often crafted with sensational diction to attract readers unfamiliar with the topic or issue. Therefore, readers should search for similar titles from official sites and compare the contents to see if they align. At least, readers will obtain balanced information.
Be cautious of the website:
Suspicious sites or websites often have blog domains or similar. If information is disseminated on such sites, it should be regarded with suspicion and caution. Examples of websites with legal domains can be accessed at the following page: https://www.jagoanhosting.com/blog/contoh-domain/.
Be cautious with the content of the information:
Once the above two points have been addressed, the next step is to check the content of the information provided. Readers should verify the balance of the news sources cited. If there is only one news source, readers will not get a complete picture.
Be cautious with included media:
In this digital era, not only text information needs caution. Media in the form of photos or videos also requires scrutiny. To check the authenticity of a photo, readers can use search engines provided by Google to find similar images for comparison.
Join anti-hoax communities:
On Facebook, there are groups such as the “Forum Anti Fitnah, Hasut, dan Hoax” and “Indonesian Hoaxes Community.” On Twitter, there are spaces like “Komunitas Bertanya” and “Komunitas Tanya Jawab.” In these groups and spaces, readers can ask and answer questions, as well as view clarifications already provided by others.
Report sites spreading hoaxes:
In Indonesia, there is the Press Council. The Press Council is an independent body formed to protect press freedom and enhance the quality of press life under UU Number 40 of 1999 on the Press. The Press Council is located in the capital of the Republic of Indonesia.
Data on companies or organizations that are part of the Press Companies can be accessed at: https://dewanpers.or.id/data/perusahaanpers. If one of these companies spreads hoaxes, it can be reported to the Press Council, which will follow up. The reporting procedures can be accessed at: https://dewanpers.or.id/datapengaduan/prosedur.
However, if there is a company or organization spreading hoaxes that is not part of the Press Companies (Homeless Media), the hoax can be reported to Kominfo, and the reporting procedures can be accessed at: https://www.kominfo.go.id/content/detail/8732/ini-cara-melaporkan-konten-hoax/0/sorotan_media.
Conclusion
To effectively combat the spread of hoaxes, it is essential to approach online content with skepticism and verify information through multiple reliable sources. Steps include being vigilant about provocative titles, scrutinizing the credibility of websites, assessing the balance of information content, and evaluating any associated media for authenticity. Furthermore, joining anti-hoax communities can provide additional insights and verifications from other informed individuals. Lastly, reporting suspicious content to appropriate authorities like the Press Council or Kominfo ensures that proper actions are taken against the distribution of false information, thus maintaining a healthier, more informed public discourse.
