Facing tragedy, responsible information: How not to fall into disinformation campaigns

Published at: 27/06/2026 12:22 PM

In times of pain, uncertainty and collective concern, there are also those who try to take advantage of the population's distress. After the earthquake that hit Venezuela, unsourced audios, videos out of context, rumors about new threats and messages designed to sow fear, demoralization and distrust have circulated.

While security forces, State institutions, firefighters, civil protection, rescuers, medical personnel, volunteers and organized communities work in the affected areas, Fake News campaigns seek to confuse, paralyze and minimize the efforts of those who are directly serving families.

It's also important to understand something: many people, even with good intentions, believe that by forwarding alarmist messages or messages from unreliable sources, they are helping to prevent risks. But in an emergency, false audio, an unverified photo or an old video can create panic, confusion and more distress in homes that are already experiencing difficult times.

The best way to help isn't to echo rumors. The best way to help is to share confirmed information, to guide calmly and to support the work of those who are deployed in the territory. In emergency situations, responsibility also protects lives.

Recommendations for avoiding rumors or manipulation

* Do not forward audios, photos or videos without confirming their origin. Just because a message is urgent, dramatic, or widely shared doesn't mean it's true.

* Review date, place and context. Many images of earthquakes, landslides or floods belong to other countries or to events that occurred years ago.

* Consult official and institutional channels. Civil Protection, firefighters, regional authorities, security agencies and responsible media must be the reference before sharing any content.

* Distrust phrases such as: “someone inside confirmed it to me”, “spread it before they delete it”, “something worse is coming” or “no one is telling the truth”. These are common formulas to activate fear and confusion.

* Don't make impulsive decisions through WhatsApp messages or social networks. Staying calm allows you to better evaluate the situation and follow real guidance.

* Don't belittle the work of those in the field without proof. Firefighters, rescuers, volunteers, medical personnel, security forces and institutions are dealing with complex situations and need citizen support, not rumors that hinder their work.

* Protect your family's peace of mind. Avoid commenting on speculations in front of children, older adults, or nervous people. Share only useful and confirmed information.

* Disseminate data that does help: emergency numbers, care centers, safe routes, prevention recommendations and official communications. That can make a difference.

* Before you publish, ask yourself three questions: Who reports it? , which source confirms this? , what evidence is there? If there aren't clear answers, don't share it. In a tragedy, every false message can turn into distress for a family, confusion for a community and an obstacle for those working in the affected areas. Therefore, in the face of cognitive warfare, rumors and unscrupulous people, the answer must be serenity, collective awareness, verification and solidarity.

Mazo News Team