Giving Compass' Take:

• In the age of fake news and misinformation, a collaborative effort is needed to fight lies that threaten democracy and society. 

• What impactful partnership opportunities can be leveraged for this issue? Who is already doing good work in this area? 

• Learn how fake news spreads on Twitter. 

When false and misleading information proliferates in our newsfeeds and our communities, what should we do? What response is called for when inaccurate information leads to damaging policy or injury to people and institutions we care about?

Technology gives information from many sources instantaneous and global reach, while its design leverages our psychology and social networks to go deep. Responses to misinformation must contend with a host of other complex dynamics — including rapidly evolving scientific knowledge, growing inequality, disparities in education, and intentional manipulation.

These societal challenges will not be met through siloed efforts. It is encouraging to see a growing constellation of funders, nonprofits, researchers, technologists and community leaders committed to understanding and confronting misinformation in a changing world.

We are partnering with RTI International and the Aspen Institute along with Craig Newmark Philanthropies and Democracy Fund to focus on addressing human behaviors and motivations — the kind that lead false information to spread much more quickly than true information — as well as the kind that can effectively confront misinformation and advance a shared understanding of truth.

Read the full article about curbing misinformation by Elizabeth Good Christopherson at Philanthropy for Active Civic Engagement.