from Bangladesh, shared a similar view, namely that fact checks should not look like technical reports but be written in simple language so that the public can easily understand the content: “Fact-checking reports are sometimes very complex, and many people don’t understand it easily. I think fact-checking reports should also be reader-friendly and easy [to read]” (interview, 2021). Amar Gunatilleke highlighted an issue unique to social media platforms that can narrow the reach of fact checks. As the algorithms that are used by these platforms to disseminate information tend to target profiles that share similarities, there is a possibility that only a specific group of social media users will be exposed to fact checks (interview, 2021). MEASURING IMPACT A common theme across the region is the lack of a systematic approach to analyze the reach and impact of fact checks. Jean-Jacques Sahel noted the unavailability of comprehensive but simple metrics that could be used for impact measurement, and stressed the importance of developing such mechanisms: “I think it would be very difficult to find a metric that is generic enough to give us a sense of how much progress we are making” (interview, 2021). A common theme across Jhalak M. Kakkar, executive directhe region is the lack of tor of the Center for Communication a systematic approach Governance at the National Law Unito analyze the reach and versity, Delhi, commented: “What we struggle to understand as researchers impact of fact checks. analyzing these issues is how effective these strategies are at combating the problem. And I think more access to information on how these measures are being implemented on platforms and insights on what the impact is on information flows on platforms would be useful” (interview, 2021). 4.7 CONFIRMATION BIAS AND POLARIZATION Many different types of stakeholders are taking measures to counter information disorder. However, in order to mitigate the issues that arise from information disorder, it is essential that the end user and the general public understand the concepts and ever-changing landscape of news and media (Cheng et al. 2020). Carol Soon, senior research fellow at the Institute of Policy Studies, National University of Singapore, pointed out that the effectiveness of all such measures depends on the level of awareness and agency expressed by the general public: I N FO R M ATI O N D I SO R D ER IN THE GLOBA L SOUTH “At the end of the day, there’s only [so much that] governments, tech companies, and educators can do. Ultimately I think the responsibility does lie with end users” (interview, 2021). On the other hand, even individuals who are knowledgeable regarding information disorder and understand the importance of verification and fact checking still have certain blind spots when it comes to topics that are sensitive in nature and/or that have an emotional connotation for them (Tsfati et al. 2020). H. R. Venkatesh pointed out that topics that relate to an individual’s identity can “short circuit” the way information is processed (interview, 2021). Religion, race, culture, and nationalist pride are a few of the common “blind spots” observed throughout the region. Gayatri Khandhadai of the APC provided an example of how this can manifest: In an extremely polarized Sri Lankan context or an extremely polarized Indian context, if I heard something like “Muslims are going around spitting on purpose to spread coronavirus,” my logical mind may know already that this is untrue or that it is an overdramatization, in the worst-case scenario. But, I want this to be true. There is an emotional component and there is a historical and contextual component to it, which fact checking cannot address. (interview, 2021) Similarly, Dr. N. Tamilselvi explained the challenges she faced in debunking a particular article on the use of traditional medicines as a cure for Covid-19: They also take it very personally when it comes to anything [related to] their beliefs, like anything that is cultural, anything that is religious, or anything that is traditional. For example, [that] turmeric can cure Covid-19 was a false claim made. So, when we discussed that topic, many people argued that we [were] against tradition and that we [were] trying to promote some English [Western] medicines. (interview, 2021) In order to successfully tackle the challenges of information disorder, all stakeholders must understand that human reactions to news stories are not governed by facts and figures only, but also by the emotions associated with the news (Tsfati et al. 2020). Therefore, countering information disorder cannot consist of merely countering false information with facts and figures; conversations that address emotions also need to occur. Jason Cabañes noted: “You really need to listen to these people and see what their stories are, and you need to connect your message to them” (interview, 2021). Gayatri Khandhadai also stressed Asia – 2 3 1