3 Info-Environmentalism

Info-Environmentalism

The idea behind “info-environmentalism” is that if our information environment is polluted, we shouldn’t abandon it—instead, we should help to clean it up. That is, if we are frustrated with the content posted on platforms like Facebook or YouTube or with low-quality Google search results, why not clean it up by posting as much reliable information as we can?

Of course, a big part of this movement will involve putting pressure on the platforms themselves to act responsibly. But because the Web is a collectively-maintained and produced environment, we, as consumers and creators, can also participate in the process through direct action. Here are some examples of actions you might take to improve the information environment (Caulfield, “Info-Environmentalism”):

• Minimize your own “misinformation footprint” by being more thoughtful about what you post and share on social media. Do a quick fact-check first.
• Shift your focus from arguing points to explaining things to others.
• Edit and improve Wikipedia articles.
• Create explanatory YouTube videos.
• Post pages on blogs or wikis that provide helpful guidance on important issues.
• Post better answers on question-and-answer websites like Quora or StackExchange.
• When you do share information, use evidence and cite your sources.