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WHAT IS DEEPFAKES?

February 7, 2022 by Monalisa

A deepfakes is either video, audio, or image that is manipulated with artificial
intelligence to make it as if it’s real.

In the past, we said “ a picture worth a thousand words,” but, Photoshop
software now can manipulate the picture-perfect that you can’t tell the change
they made it. Then, we started to rely on the camera & video; when said “ Camera
never lies,” the deepfakes video with the intelligent artificial could be fake
as well.

The term “deepfakes” is a combination of the words “deep” learning by
(artificial intelligence) and fake. Some deepfake are easy to notice because the
person in the video doesn’t look natural or wears masks that might “slip” when
they move around, or skin tones do not match the person’s face.

But now, there are lots of good deepfakes videos around!

One good example of deepfake is when actor Gordan Peele made a deepfake video to
demonstrate former president Obama speaking about deepfake; Peele provided
Obama’s voice, which matched Peele’s performance. Please click on the link to
watch:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bE1KWpoX9Hk

Another example is the video of the house speaker Nancy Pelosi that made her as
if she was drunk. The video was slowed down by using a standard editing
technique. Pelosi did give the speech, but the social media platforms circulated
the deepfake video to mislead the viewers. Unfortunately, the video had received
at least 3 million views at that time.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sDOo5nDJwgA

Pew Research study about two-thirds of Americans surveyed said: “Altered videos
and images had become a significant problem for understanding the basic fact of
the current events and will lead the people to deny legitimate videos.”   

 So, how can we spot a deepfake? According to an American professor who makes
these videos, watching the eyes as performers in deepfake videos don’t blink as
often as real people; however, lately, they have been able to fix the blinking
problem.

Technological advancement made it harder to detect deepfake. That’s why it’s
essential to investigate the source to ensure who makes the video, where it
comes from, and how context can determine if it is real or fake.

So Stay suspicious and alert and verify your source before sharing it with
others to stop spreading deepfake videos !!!

Leave a comment


HOW TO DETECT SUSPICIOUS EMAILS?

October 1, 2021 by Monalisa

Sometimes we receive an email from a friend asking for a gift card or help to be
sent. The email looks like coming from your friend’s email address.
Unfortunately, it’s not!!.

 These emails are spreading like wildfire that can’t stop or block because they
will develop other techniques.

Here are some of these clues:

At first glance, the email comes from your friend; however, if you look closer,
you will see an additional letter to your friend’s name or email address to trap
you.

There will always be a demand for money, gift card, or purchasing anything to be
sent to a particular address for emergency help.

The sender will ask not to call as the connection is unavailable and only
replies to the email.

Six signs of spam Email:

 1. Scammers use technology to send an email that appears to be from your bank
    to request some personal information to pay your bills. They usually make it
    believe it’s from your bank by including your bank logo or bank email like
    support@BankofAmerica.com. Even more, the scammer might hack into your email
    account, copy your contact list, and create a similar email address to
    appear to be legitimate.
 2. Most of these emails have broken English, misspelled words, as many scammers
    are foreign entities.
 3. The big red flag, they ask you to reply immediately to their email.
 4. The scammer usually sends an email with suspicious attachment or links and
    ask to click the link to view your invoice or the bank’s letter.  This link
    has a virus or malware that will infect your computer. PLEASE, don’t click
    any link or open any attachment if you don’t recognize the sender.
 5. Most of the time, the subject’s email contains “urgent request,” all caps,
    and has deadlines, as the scammers want to grab your attention to act
    immediately without thinking.
 6. The scammers try to trick you at the email by offering free merchandise,
    claiming you’re eligible for a gift, or there’s a problem with your account,
    and you need to click on the attachment to fix it.

Additional signs:

**They might send you an email to inform you they are from Apple tech and found
something is wrong with your computer or phone, and you need to click on the
attachment to fix the issue.

**They come from IRS or social security administrator, and if you don’t pay the
fine attached, the IRS will arrest you.

** You won a gift, and you need to pay a couple of dollars for shipping to
receive it. 

For more protection information: please visit the Federal Trade Commission
Consumer at: www.fte.gov

Leave a comment


ARE YOUTUBE HEALTH VIDEOS VALUABLE?

March 31, 2021October 1, 2021 by Monalisa

YouTube videos are an effective tool for people who wish to learn, decide on a
treatment, prevention, diagnosis of disease, or present new knowledge. 

The question is whether the video content is valid if it is popular and has a
million viewers?

The internet is a source that the majority use to search for information. A
study in the United States found 59% of adults searching for health information
online, and when they use the search engine (e.g., Google), it leads them to
social media sites (e.g., Facebook, Twitter, YouTube). The study analyzed the
reasons for turning to the internet to search for health-related
information.     It found users acquire knowledge that supports their health
concerns, reduces their anxiety, gathers details about chronic diseases, and
finds treatment options. Also, users found learning more about their condition
before seeing their health provider empowers them with more knowledge or
discovering the best treatment on their own.    

YouTube is a popular social media platform to learn and share visual
information. It was established in 2005 and has become one of the popular
video-sharing platforms in the world. YouTube has 1 billion registered users
watching about a billion videos every day besides 30 million health-related
videos.   

If we ask why YouTube videos are so successful and attract viewers to access
them every day?

YouTube has a keyword-based search mechanism, a video recommendation system,
highlights videos and displays the number of times a video has been viewed in
its entirety on the YouTube homepage. This mechanism influences the YouTube
recommendation system and places the most accessible video at the top of the
search result list. Also, users can embed YouTube videos in their web pages,
blogs, and social media sites to increase their number of view times.
Additionally, anyone can create, publish, and upload videos on YouTube
regardless of their qualifications and professionalism. There are a massive
variety of videos users can access and share to learn or present information.

Since everyone can upload videos, there is a concern with health-related videos
lacking peer-reviewed, verification, and accuracy.

Several studies examined the validity of health-related videos and found them
ranging from good to poor. That means some YouTube videos lack validation. When
users conduct their search on YouTube, the results usually list the most popular
videos at the top of the search engine results. According to numerous studies,
these videos do not mean the most informative videos but the most accessible or
clickable video on YouTube. Therefore, the system locates most professional
videos at the back of the YouTube pages if it’s not accessible. Users likely
view the most popular videos instead of the most accurate ones.

In conclusion, we should conduct our search on YouTube by using various keywords
and validate the source of health-related topics to ensure accurate information.
We also must access more than one professional health website to receive the
most updated information based on peer-reviewed and scientific results.  

Some of the trusted health-related websites:

www.medlineplus.gov

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

https://www.mayoclinic.org

https://www.webmd.com









Leave a comment


WILL MISINFORMATION CONTROL OUR HEALTH AS IT INFLUENCED OUR MINDS?

March 1, 2021October 19, 2021 by Monalisa

It’s a question we all have to consider while accessing our online homepages.
Currently, misinformation surrounds us on social media platforms. There is
growing concern that e-commerce platforms and social media are expanding health-
misinformation worldwide.
A new study by University of Washington researchers has found that Amazon holds
many misinformative products in health and personal care. The results found 4997
Amazon products noted as health misinformation. The study suggests the filter
bubble encircling users who perform their search within the misinformation in
their homepages will amplify their exposure to misinformative products and
eventually affect their health.
E-commerce Amazon located some sellers trying to boost their sales. They claim
the unapproved surgical masks, disinfected sprays, or cleaners will kill the
virus even though Amazon warned them to delete their listings. Some sellers
still claim unapproved products despite the warning. Unfortunately, the sellers
try to take advantage of the fear worldwide to increase their sales and earn
more money.
To combat misinformation, Amazon started to discuss how to fight the spread of
misinformation worldwide, especially with Covid-19.
Also, Facebook announced the most extensive worldwide campaign to combat
misinformation, especially about COVID-19 vaccines, and remove false claims
about the vaccines that already have been rejected by health experts and world
health organizations (WHO). The claims such as the Covid-19 virus are
manufactured, and vaccines are not effective. It is safer to get the disease
than to get the vaccines, and it causes autism. The Facebook company decided to
remove posts and pages that violate its COVID-19 policies and repeatedly share
misinformation; please see the complete list,

http://www.facebook.com/help/230764881494641/



> An Update on Our Work to Keep People Informed and Limit Misinformation About
> COVID-19

The company will also provide third-party resources to connect people to experts
about vaccines. So far, Facebook has removed more than 12 million pieces of
misinformation content that could lead to physical harm. Facebook partnered with
the governments in 120 countries, World Health Organization, and UNICEF to
deliver accurate health information especially about COVID-19.

YouTube also warned to remove videos temporarily that violate its policies about
health information especially about the COVID-19 pandemic

Google decided to devote parts of its facilities to vaccination sites.

https://www.engadget.com/google-facilities-vaccination-sites-093117990.html

The GlobalData report identified several trends to concern about such as online
misinformation and all the challenges associated with it within 2021. The Parma
industry will need to adapt quickly to combat misinformation. Kitty Whitney,
Director of Thematic Research, stated “The spread of online misinformation,
especially on social media is increasing the public health concern. The fake
news and conspiracy theories about COVID-19 and vaccines will challenge the
efforts of fighting misinformation.

Unfortunately, most of us became influenced by online misinformation. Some of us
believe and some follow it as if it published by health experts. We forgot the
fact to investigate, analyze and research the accuracy of the online information
before deciding its truthful.

That’s why Facebook, Google, Microsoft, LinkedIn, Reddit, Twitter, and YouTube
decided to combating fraud and misinformation online and sharing their efforts
with governments and healthcare agencies worldwide to update, clarify and
correct the misinformation online.       

Leave a comment


ARE WE BECAMING CONSPIRACY THEORISTS?

February 11, 2021October 19, 2021 by Monalisa

The book, suspicious minds by Rab Brotherton indicated the thinking behind
conspiracy theories — why do people believe in them?
He explained, conspiracism is a lens through the world we view. It has the power
to misrepresent everything in its field of view. Accordingly, he explains the
real culprit behind conspiracy theories is the human brain. Since we all have
brains, we all will believe conspiracies. When our minds believe the conspiracy
theories, we reject the facts and the original story.
Jennifer Latson wrote “Psychology Today” conspiracy theories formed during times
of crisis; when fear is uncontrolled and the expectations are not clear, there
is room for confusion.
At this time, conspiracy theories spread widely and offer people a
straightforward narrative and the blame of someone to convince people of their
credibility.
When people lose their trust, they look for any answer that resonates with their
fear. Most of the time, find it at the conspiracy theories.
Also, conspiracy theories make a promise: “Drink bleach or alcohol to be cured
of Covid-19. It’s a pleasant narrative that is easy to buy into to get back to
normal.
Researchers found conspiracy theorists have particular personality traits with
low trust, low self-esteem, paranoid thinking, and a need to feel unique.
So, what should we do?
Psychologist Rob Brotherton explained all of us have a mental bias and mental
shortcuts. We are all hardwired to suspect that conspiracy theories have taken
place. That is the benefit of being skeptical and alert. But what about the
intentional bias and the trying to harm others? Brotherton explained,
pattern-seeking is essential. We need to look for the pattern in a story,
especially when details don’t fit neatly. Then, ask questions, gather all the
data, look for the meaning, and use statistical methods to avoid misleading.
We become “influenced” when we use our gut reaction and intuition to find
patterns that sometimes don’t exist. The fact confirmation bias being in our
life is when we judge shreds of evidence and select the pieces that fit into the
story and reject the facts.
To prove that, Brotherton recommended looking at our social media pages to see
we are not following people who have different political views because of the
confirmation bias.
So, how do we become conspiracy theorists?
The confirmation bias is the seed that nourishes the theory to grow.
Some people deny every conspiracy allegation, and few people will accept it all
and, most people are somewhere in the middle accept some, doubting some! Now,
they will end up all becoming conspiracy theorists, Brotherton says.













Leave a comment


HOW TO EYESPOT FAKE NEWS?

January 14, 2021October 19, 2021 by Monalisa

Before starting to eyespot fake news, we need to know what fake news is. 

Fake news can be widely circulated for a political movement, discredit public
figures, or generate ad revenue. We need to know most of the terms used to shape
our thoughts and believes while reading or sharing our stories online. 

The terms are:

 * Clickbait: Content that attracts the reader’s attention to click on a link at
   a particular site. Ex: This cream will turn the clock and keep you younger.
 * Confirmation Bias: This is the tendency to interpret new evidence as
   confirmation of your existing beliefs.
 * Hoax: A form of fake news or made-up information.
 * Disinformation: False information that intentionally spread to mislead the
   readers for a purpose, politically, financially, commercially, etc
 * Misinformation: False information that spreads widely, either intentionally
   or unintentionally. 
 * The filter bubble: When we access online pages, the news presented will
   reflect our likes based on our search online. Being presented with our
   favorite information will isolate us from other views and opinions. 

Strategies to eyespot fake news:

Since social media and filter bubbles made it hard to sort the facts from fake
news,

The International Federation of Library Associations and institutions created
guidelines when reading online articles:

**Consider the source and understand its mission.

**Read beyond the headlines to understand the story.

**Check the author’s credibility.

**Check the supporting references.

**Check the date of publication to see if relevant and up to date.

**Check your biases to see if they are affecting your judgment.

**Ask if it is a joke to determine if it is meant to be satire. 

**Ask an expert to get confirmation from independent people.

The scholar and assistant professor at Merrimack college Melisa Zimdar created 

Reference:



http://www.factcheck.org

https://www.ifla.org/publications/node/11174

https://infotogo.meredith.edu/fakenews

https://library.athenstech.edu/fake

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WHAT IS CONFIRMATION BIAS?

December 25, 2020October 19, 2021 by Monalisa

The dictionary defines confirmation bias as the tendency to interpret new
evidence as confirmation of ones existing beliefs or theories. Now, most of us
get the news from social media and share it with our friends and followers.
However, we all like to share information that confirms our beliefs and
theories. Consequently, people became less engaged and closed-minded with other
viewpoints that contradict their existing beliefs.
The majority of people prefer to communicate with others via social media. When
someone posts their opinion online based on emotion, people will accept the
group opinions and values to feel belonging, especially when they validate that
opinion. It’s easy to “like” or “share” with your group to be accepted. But the
option to disagree is unavailable because there is no ” dislike” button to
reflect different viewpoints!
It’s difficult to change someone’s mind about what they believe. Now
confirmation bias will convince the individual to accept the information from
their group and reject the facts that come from the other side with no
discussion or consideration.
If you want to check your “confirmation bias status, please read your social
media posts along with your favorite television channels to examine if you have
an open-minded view or not!









Leave a comment


DOES SOCIAL MEDIA IS FOLLOWING NEW RESTRICTED GUIDELINES NOW?

December 18, 2020October 19, 2021 by Monalisa

The majority of people use social media as a tool to connect online and maintain
their relationships. Now, social media platforms have become a tool to spread
misinformation and divide people around the world.
At the congressional hearing in July 2020, the house antitrust chair David
Cicilline revealed that Facebook leaves misinformation circulated for a while to
reap advertising dollars. He points to the “Breitbart” video circulated for five
hours and falsely called hydroxychloroquine a cure for Covid-19. Unfortunately,
20 million people viewed the footage before being removed.
The European Commission requested Facebook, Twitter, Google, and other social
media platforms to submit a monthly report of any online misinformation. In
addition, the commission asked about their actions of improving users’ awareness
and controlling spreading misinformation.
Most of the social media platforms made considerable progress in reducing
spreading misinformation. They launched a section called “Facts about Covid-19.
They provided information about the source of the articles, disabled the
misinformation ad account such as drinking bleach can prevent Coronavirus, and
directed the reader to an authoritative source to verify the information.
We live now in the misinformation era that everyone can be an author, publisher,
or running online channels with no restrictions. These individuals can spread
misinformation for political, financial purposes or support an organization,
group, or individual to achieve their agenda.





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WE ALL OBLIGATE TO COMBAT INFODEMIC!

December 13, 2020October 1, 2021 by Monalisa

The role of the librarian and information specialist is to guard the truth and
fight misinformation. Since accessing the information became easy via technology
at home, school, or libraries, we all have the responsibility to teach and guide
people of all ages to evaluate the quality of the information online.

Misinformation has become a serious issue that affects teens and adults at the
individual and broader societal levels. According to the 2016 Stanford education
study about young individuals’ ability to assess the information and evaluate
its content, the researcher concluded that students were having trouble judging
the credibility of the information online. They also discovered they couldn’t
distinguish advertising from news articles or the source of information.

The research’s results indicated the students might focus more on the social
media content than the source of the story.

Also, despite their fluency in accessing the information online, many students
are unaware of verifying its credibility.

The Stanford researchers decided to develop a curriculum for teachers to teach
the students how to access reliable information online and verify its
legitimacy.

So, when misinformation is published online,  it spreads fast. The more it is
shared and viewed, the higher it is ranked by Google and other search engines.
Consequently, people will have a sense of its credibility and continue
communicating with their friends and families until it becomes a hot topic
online. 

Since Google is a hot search engine, it announced to minimize the reach of fake
news in its searches. Google also assigned 10,000 employees to flag articles
that have misleading information.

For example, a fake news story claimed that 300000 pounds of rat meat were sold
as chicken wings across the USA. The story was tagged as false and linked the
readers to fact-check by PolitiFact.come to verify.

Now, we all need to take the responsibility to play the role of combating
misinformation. Unfortunately, the next generations are not ready to handle the
“Infodemic” that surrounds all of us today. Imagine, they will be the leaders
who will lead the world tomorrow!     







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THE ROLE OF THE SOCIAL MEDIA WITH THE MISINFORMATION!

November 28, 2020October 1, 2021 by Monalisa

Lately, we have noticed the rise of conspiracy theories on most social media
platforms more than factual information. A group of people strives to influence
millions of people’s thoughts and spread false information for political or
financial purposes.

YouTube had to launch its guidelines and rules about publishing conspiracy
theories on the home pages. The platform started to remove most of the videos
containing misinformation about the pandemic, for instance, contradicting
information from local health authorities or the world health organization.
YouTube prohibited false information claimed that the COVID-19 vaccine will kill
people, cause infertility, autism, or they will implant microchips in people who
agree to be vaccinated. Also, prohibited claims encourage people to rely on home
remedies or cleaning supplies instead of seeking medical treatment. In addition,
Facebook initiated new protocols to root out misinformation, such as
fact-checking, flagging some content as “Disputed” Related Content.” Twitter
also launched a further reminder to warn people of potential misinformation.
Twitter will have it available in the home timeline of every person who has a
Twitter account and available in multiple languages.

Most of the platforms try to limit misinformation on their sites since the speed
of misinformation can cause potential damage, especially during political
events.

Until today with all the efforts and warnings by the social media experts, we
still believe lies, conspiracy theories, misinformation, and fake news that
become easy to manipulate our thoughts and change our paths!







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