Source – Social-Media.
Misinformation Surrounding Hurricanes Helene and Milton
In the aftermath of Hurricanes Helene and Milton, a surge of misinformation has swept across social media, adding a layer of complexity to the ongoing recovery efforts. This wave of false information ranges from fabricated weather reports to baseless claims of government manipulation of the storms. Conspiracy theories, often propagated by influencers and figures with large followings, have garnered significant traction, further fueling public distrust in official information.
One such example is the claim, shared by public figures like Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene, that the U.S. government is involved in “geo-engineering” the weather. Despite the lack of any credible evidence, these unfounded theories have gained widespread attention. Viral posts on platforms like X (formerly Twitter) include doctored images of storm damage and AI-generated photos of children supposedly fleeing the disaster. Adding to the confusion are computer-generated videos and old footage from unrelated storms being repackaged as scenes from the recent hurricanes.
Compounding the issue, former President Donald Trump has echoed false claims that funds intended for hurricane relief are being diverted to support migrants entering the U.S. illegally. These theories not only spread rapidly but also undermine the credibility of legitimate rescue and relief efforts, making it difficult for authorities to effectively communicate with the public during a crisis.
Role of Social Media Platforms in Amplifying Hurricane Misinformation
A significant factor in the spread of hurricane-related conspiracy theories is the role of social media platforms, particularly X. Since Elon Musk’s acquisition of the platform, significant changes in its policies have allowed misinformation to flourish. Users can now purchase blue-check verification, which was once reserved for individuals and organizations that had undergone a vetting process. These blue-check accounts now gain greater prominence, making their posts more visible regardless of their accuracy.
X’s revenue-sharing model further incentivizes the spread of viral content, as users with high engagement—regardless of the truthfulness of their posts—are rewarded financially. This shift in policy has created a system where falsehoods and conspiracy theories can quickly gain traction, with accounts profiting from the engagement they generate. Other platforms like YouTube, TikTok, Instagram, and Facebook, while also monetizing views, have stricter policies to curb the spread of hurricane misinformation. These platforms actively de-monetize or suspend accounts that spread misleading content and label such posts as false. However, X lacks a similar framework, allowing misinformation to spread unchecked.
Not only does hurricane misinformation on X go viral within its ecosystem, but it also migrates to other platforms, further amplifying its reach. Social media influencers like “Wild Mother,” who frequently shares unverified theories across platforms, have noted an increase in the number of people agreeing with their posts, illustrating the growing acceptance of conspiracy theories.
Real-World Consequences of Online Misinformation
The spread of hurricane misinformation during natural disasters can have real-world consequences, particularly when it undermines public trust in authorities and institutions. In the case of Hurricane Milton, the false claims circulating on social media have the potential to disrupt rescue and recovery operations. Relief workers have been falsely accused of participating in treasonous plots, further inflaming public sentiment and eroding confidence in official efforts.
Research by the Institute of Strategic Dialogue (ISD) shows that fewer than three dozen false posts about the hurricanes were viewed over 160 million times on X. Many of these posts came from accounts with political leanings that align with former President Trump, contributing to a sharper political edge in the disinformation narrative. As the U.S. approaches the 2024 presidential election, misinformation about the hurricanes has been weaponized to target foreign aid workers and migrants, exacerbating division and distrust.
This environment not only jeopardizes disaster relief efforts but also poses a broader threat to the democratic process. The widespread acceptance of conspiracy theories creates a public more skeptical of legitimate information, making it harder to distinguish between valid criticism and baseless claims. As conspiracy theories continue to gain traction, the challenge of countering them becomes even more daunting, with social media platforms playing a pivotal role in shaping public perception.
