Online Shows Spread Misinformation About Hurricane Helene, Reaching Millions
A new study by Media Matters reveals the extent to which misinformation about Hurricane Helene spread across popular online shows in the aftermath of the storm. The study, which analyzed 320 politically-oriented online shows, found that five of the top ten most-followed shows disseminated false and misleading narratives about the hurricane, reaching potentially millions of viewers. This highlights the growing concern over the spread of misinformation on these platforms and the potential for real-world consequences.
Media Matters compiled a comprehensive list of 320 online shows, including podcasts, streams, and other long-form audio and video content, that regularly cover news and politics. These shows were categorized based on their ideological leanings, with 191 identified as right-leaning and 129 as left-leaning. The study focused on the ten shows with the largest followings across various platforms, including YouTube, Spotify, Rumble, Twitch, Kick, Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok. These shows included a mix of political commentators, comedians, and personalities, indicating a broad reach across different demographics.
The research specifically examined content related to Hurricane Helene, which made landfall on September 27, 2024. Researchers scrutinized original long-form content uploaded or streamed between September 27 and October 11, 2024, searching for keywords related to the hurricane, government response, recovery efforts, and conspiracy theories surrounding the storm. These keywords encompassed terms like "hurricane," "Hurricane Helene," "FEMA," "weather control," and specific dollar amounts referenced in circulating misinformation. The researchers meticulously documented any instances of misinformation or false narratives about the hurricane, based on Media Matters’ prior coverage of the event.
The analysis revealed that 15 pieces of long-form audio and video content from five of the top ten online shows contained misinformation related to Hurricane Helene. This misinformation included falsehoods about the availability and distribution of disaster relief, as well as conspiracy theories alleging weather manipulation. Some narratives even suggested that specific land areas or populations were deliberately targeted by the government for political or economic gain. The reach of this misinformation was amplified by the substantial followings of these shows, with viewership numbers on platforms like YouTube potentially reaching millions.
To ensure accuracy and eliminate bias, the researchers employed a rigorous methodology. Each piece of content was independently reviewed by multiple researchers, who identified and coded instances of misinformation based on pre-defined criteria. Discrepancies were resolved through further review and discussion, ensuring a high level of consensus and accuracy in the final coding. This rigorous process ensured that the identification of misinformation was consistent and reliable, strengthening the study’s findings.
The findings of this study underscore the significant role online shows play in shaping public perception and disseminating information, including misinformation. The large audiences commanded by these shows, coupled with the often-polarized nature of online political discourse, creates a fertile ground for the rapid spread of false narratives. The fact that five of the top ten most followed shows propagated misinformation about Hurricane Helene points to a systemic problem with how these platforms are used to disseminate and amplify inaccurate narratives. This necessitates a broader discussion about the responsibility of online show hosts and platforms in combating the spread of misinformation and ensuring that accurate information reaches the public, especially during critical events like natural disasters.