1. This is a good time to revisit the importance of due-diligence on social media, particularly as it relates to spheres of influence within political Twitter. In these times of chaos, anger and desperation, we are particularly vulnerable to misinformation.
2. The rallying cry of #TheResistance, increasing activism and growing civic involvement is a good thing. But, accepting the information presented by anyone with an #FBR or posting bias-confirming information is dangerous. As with any collective, beware of questionable actors.
3. It's a problem that's more complex than identifying bots and trolls, "chaos" agents and "deza" - the latter being designations easily weaponized and that should immediately trigger healthy skepticism. Particularly when the accuser has a history of using these labels.
4. Political Twitter is a place rich with brilliant minds, engaged activism, richly sourced information...it is also a place with people who have personal axes to grind, fame-seekers, scammers, infiltrators and just-plain nut-jobs.
5. There are sub-groups on the left that closely resemble the RW conspiracy groups surrounding Info Wars and QAnon. This isn't a good thing. We are also vulnerable to gaslighting, group-think, manipulation, purposeful disinformation or poorly vetted misinformation.
6. So what should you do? First, always take a look at someone's feed before following back. Don't share an article without fully reading it. If it's not a legitimate news source, vet the author and critically assess the information. Especially if it contains personal attacks.
7. Be wary of people who claim to have "leaks" or "insider information". Recognize it's not confirmed or adequately sourced. Don't present this information to others without full acknowledgment that it's unvalidated.
8. Self/othering is at the core of our social psychology. Be aware of the group boundaries someone is forming. One expects Left vs. Right, #GOP vs. #Democrats. But, even progressives vs. moderates tells you a lot about how information could be potentially skewed.
9. This self/othering can get even more discrete and potentially dangerous. Anyone purporting to be part of a 'team' within #theResistance should raise an eyebrow. Be wary of groups that are built around a specific individual or individuals.
10. Be wary of groups that are based on 'leaks' or unvalidated information. Be wary of groups that make unsubstantiated claims against known influencers and writers. Always be wary of people asking you to block specific people or who threaten to block you if you question them.
11. Many of us who wrote about the Russian connection and dangers of DT's pro-authoritarian agenda early on have been victims of this type of group activity. With eruptions of info everyday it is difficult for people to glean the truth, but it's so important to strive for it.
