Comm Convo
February 2026 Comm Convo: Fighting Misinformation Without Amplifying It
False claims about our science, products, and companies can spread faster than our corrections ever will. We’re strategic advisors navigating an information environment where traditional correction methods often backfire. This spans misinformation shared without intent to deceive, disinformation deliberately created to mislead, and malinformation where true facts are weaponized to damage. The challenge isn’t just whether to respond to misinformation, it’s that our attempts to correct it can inadvertently amplify false claims, erode trust in accurate information, and make the problem worse. This Comm Convo opens a practical discussion about making strategic intervention decisions under pressure, and what approaches actually reduce harm without spreading the lies we’re trying to counter.
Why watch
- Assess when leadership pressure to “set the record straight” could actually amplify misinformation and damage credibility, and build frameworks for making strategic response decisions under time pressure.
- Navigate cross-functional dynamics when teams advocate for different response approaches—from immediate detailed corrections to strategic restraint—and build alignment that balances competing priorities.
- Equip your teams with approaches that counter false claims without repeating them, including prebunking strategies and building resilient information ecosystems before crises hit.
- Explore how response strategies are evolving beyond traditional fact-checking toward more sophisticated approaches that preserve trust and prevent inadvertent amplification.