In a discussion hosted by the RSA, Eliot Higgins, founder of Bellingcat, and investigative journalist Carole Cadwalladr addressed how journalists can combat disinformation in today’s fast-paced information environment.
Eliot highlighted the shift from a controlled, elite media structure to a peer-to-peer model, where content, often driven by engagement and monetization, tends to prioritize virality over truth. This has resulted in an overwhelming amount of information, pushing society toward potential “total information collapse.”
To effectively respond, journalists must adapt their reporting styles, becoming quicker to counter disinformation. Traditional media’s slower, procedural methods contrast sharply with the rapid, certainty-driven narratives found in social media. Bellingcat exemplifies this adaptability by creating accessible, multi-platform information, such as video content demonstrating incidents like the Alex Pretti shooting.
Carole pointed out that younger audiences are increasingly favoring content creators over traditional media due to outdated presentation styles. She urged journalists to humanize news by infusing personal narratives, making it more relatable to younger viewers.
Transparency and accountability are crucial in addressing disinformation. Carole criticized traditional media for distancing themselves from public criticism, while Eliot noted that many mainstream outlets treat their audience merely as consumers rather than engaging them as participants. Bellingcat’s community-driven approach—like their active Discord channel—demonstrates a model of involving the audience in the news process, which can also lead to meaningful local investigations, as seen in their coverage of an oil spill in Trinidad and Tobago. This involvement not only enhances transparency but also fosters trust in the media.
