In times of conflict and global uncertainty, many individuals may find themselves consuming more news and spending increased time on social media. While staying informed is important, the rapid flow of information (which can often be unfiltered or emotionally charged) can expose people to a range of online risks, including misinformation, scams, and harmful content.
Periods of geopolitical tension, such as ongoing conflicts, tend to create an online environment where uncertainty and disagreements are widespread. This can make it more difficult to distinguish between credible information and misleading or false narratives. Content shared on social media platforms in particular, can amplify unverified claims, misleading information, or statements taken out of context, all of which may contribute towards confusion, uncertainty or distress.
Why is Misinformation and Harmful Content Spreading?
Misinformation is defined as ‘false information that is spread, regardless of whether there is intent to mislead’, and often spreads quickly during a time of crisis as people often feel compelled to find answers and engage with posts that may appear to offer solutions or clarifications towards global uncertainties.
Posts may appear convincing, especially when they include images, videos, or urgent language. However, not all content is reliable. Content may be intentionally misleading to garner engagement, while other content may be shared without proper verification or fuelled by ‘rage bait’. It is important to question the motivation of some users who post ‘rage bait’, as this is often just a tool to increase their following/ engagement and the subject matter may be of little importance to them.
In addition to misinformation, individuals may encounter harmful or distressing material, including graphic imagery or content designed to provoke fear or anger. Repeated exposure to such content can impact emotional wellbeing and contribute towards feelings of anxiety and isolation.
How Criminals Exploit Uncertainty
During times like this, cybercriminals are known to take advantage of periods of disruption. As global events influence markets and daily life, scammers adapt their tactics accordingly. For example:
- Energy-related scams: With fluctuations in oil prices and energy costs, individuals may receive fraudulent messages offering discounts, rebates, or urgent “account updates” related to fuel or utility bills.
- Delivery and supply scams: Increased reliance on online shopping and delivery services has led to a rise in fake delivery notifications, missed parcel messages, or requests for additional fees.
- Charity fraud: Conflicts often prompt genuine fundraising efforts by legitimate organisations, but scammers may impersonate charities or create fake appeals to exploit goodwill.
- Using AI for harm: Individuals can use AI to deceive, impersonate and exploit others. You can read our AI hub to learn more about how to protect yourself against these harms.
These scams are often designed to create a sense of urgency, encouraging quick and thoughtless action without careful consideration.
Protecting Yourself Online
There are practical steps individuals can take to navigate online spaces more safely during uncertain times:
- Pause before sharing: If a post provokes a strong emotional reaction, take a moment to verify its source before sharing. Look for confirmation from trusted online sources and determine whether it has been validated elsewhere.
- Check sources carefully: Be cautious of accounts, websites or emails that lack transparency, use sensational language, create a sense of urgency or do not cite credible sources.
- Check the simple things: Look for small things like spelling, grammar and subtle changes within website URLs or email addresses. Most importantly, do not click on any links until you have verified something as legitimate. If you are unsure, visit the site via a trusted, established path that you are already familiar with.
- Avoid engaging with harmful content: Refrain from amplifying or responding to inflammatory posts. Engagement can increase its visibility which can inadvertently lead towards more harm.
- Report concerning material: Most platforms provide tools to report misinformation, scams, or harmful content. Taking responsibility to escalate something for removal can help protect someone else from witnessing it in the future.
- Protect personal information: Be wary of unsolicited messages, especially those requesting sensitive details or payments. You should never give out personal details over the phone or via email to someone who has unexpectedly made contact with you.
- Support others calmly: If someone appears distressed or is sharing misleading information, respond with empathy – understand that some individuals may be struggling more than others and may not comprehend the risks around sharing such content. Gently encourage them to check reliable sources rather than confronting with abuse or escalating the situation with aggression.
De-escalation in Online Interactions
Discussions around global events can quickly become heated. It is important to recognise and acknowledge that everyone may hold varied opinions around issues that you feel very passionately about. Regardless of whether you agree or not, how you engage with people online can determine how an interaction develops, for better or for worse. When engaging with others online:
- Focus on respectful dialogue rather than trying to win an argument.
- Avoid responding to provocation or inflammatory language – sometimes a post has been created, just to make you angry.
- Step away from conversations that become overwhelming or unproductive – recognise that some individuals will just not listen to other people’s perspectives no matter how hard you try.
- Encourage critical thinking without dismissing or resorting to abuse – a healthy debate can be achieved where there is respect for each other.
Creating a calmer online environment helps reduce the spread of harmful narratives and supports collective respect for others online.
Looking After Yourself
Finally, it is important to recognise the impact that constant exposure to news and social media can have. Taking regular breaks, limiting screen time, and choosing when and how to engage with updates can help maintain a healthier balance. You can take a look at our digital wellbeing page for more information.
In times of uncertainty, staying informed should not come at the expense of your wellbeing. By approaching online content critically, recognising potential risks, and responding with a degree of care, you can navigate the current climate with a lot more confidence.
If you are concerned about the impact of misinformation and harmful content on younger age groups, please find support on our website.
