UI Foundation/UI Advancement Weekly Update 08.13.21
Dear Team:
Happy Friday the 13th! For those who are a bit superstitious, the number 13, and today’s date, Friday the 13th, might make some feel a bit uneasy. It’s probably safe to say we all have a few rituals or beliefs that give us comfort or pause. I know I do. However, today and most days, what concerns me more than the bad luck that may fall upon me if I see a black cat cross the road, is the incredible amount of misinformation and disinformation we are all subjected to daily.
We have been on information overload for most of the 21st century, but it feels like things really ramped up when the pandemic began, which brings me to “misinformation and disinformation.” I know this topic can often cast political overtones, and I want to be clear that is not my intent. I do feel like this is an important subject for our team to address, but I also won’t be offended if you stop reading at this point.
Misinformation refers to false or out-of-context information that is presented as fact (think urban legend or things like, “cellular networks cause cancer”). Disinformation is a type of misinformation that is intentionally false and intended to deceive or mislead. So, what’s my point? Now more than ever, we need to consider where information comes from and explore more than one source when trying to ascertain its validity. There are usually at least two sides to every story. Ask questions if you don’t understand what you are reading or hearing. Finally, remember that information is constantly changing. What is true today may change tomorrow under different circumstances. The Business Insider website published an insightful story on misinformation and disinformation earlier this year, which you might find interesting. I urge all of us to do our best to critically explore and examine what we read and hear. We owe it to ourselves and each other to get the facts straight, whether we like them or not.
Having a full array of knowledge doesn’t just help us decide what to believe. Knowing and understanding many sides of an issue also leads to a greater level of respect for others. It’s easier to be polite and courteous when we take the time to understand where people are coming from.
So, knock on wood and enjoy your Friday the 13th. I think I’ll skip the scary movies, but if I happen to get to the golf course this weekend, I will definitely have my lucky ball mark, just in case.
Best regards,
Jim