The migration crisis in Lampedusa has sparked strong reactions and caused a wave of misinformation on social networks. A lot of hostile and misleading content is circulating, fueling both hatred towards sub-Saharan migrants and distrust towards the NGOs that help them.
A striking example of this misinformation is a video widely shared on Twitter. We see young women dancing with migrants to the rhythm of festive music. Although some found this scene amusing, it was picked up and commented on primarily by accounts close to the far-right. Commentators call NGOs “the enemy” and accuse volunteers of partying with the “invaders.”
However, it quickly became clear that this video had not been filmed in Lampedusa. The weather and landscape do not match this small Italian island. In reality, the video was filmed in France, probably in the Calais region. Volunteers wear bibs marked ‘CALAIS 4 CARE’, a charity which provides aid to refugees living in the UK, France and Belgium.
This manipulation of information shows how certain far-right groups have used the migration crisis to spread their propaganda and fuel fear and hatred towards migrants and NGOs. They took advantage of the emotion aroused by the massive arrival of these migrants in Lampedusa to promote their political discourse.
It is essential to use good judgment when visiting social media and to verify information before sharing it. Disinformation can have serious consequences, fueling the stigmatization of migrants and discrediting the work of NGOs that help them.
The role of copywriters is therefore crucial in the fight against disinformation. By producing articles based on verified facts and highlighting reliable sources, they help to inform public debate and counter hate speech.
It is also important to raise awareness about misinformation and promote responsible information sharing. By encouraging social media users to check their sources and be wary of questionable content, we can all help combat misinformation and promote quality information.