10 Examples of Media Manipulation and 10 Ways to Spot It

Real vs fake. Can you identify? Try!

On 16 May 2022 was a total moon eclipse. It was visible here, in Swakopmund. This was the longest total lunar eclipse since 1989 was visible in Africa. Next total lunar eclipse will be visible in Namibia on the 7th September 2025.

There are so many techniques or strategies of the media manipulation but I want to show you some examples described with this phenomen.

Media manipulation is a series of related techniques in which partisans create an image or argument that favours their particular interests. Such tactics may include the use of logical fallacies, manipulation, outright deception (disinformation), rhetorical and propaganda techniques etc.

Thanks to the media paraphernalia and propaganda, have been created even given the phenomenon of media as producers of reality within the collective psyche (it has now been well demonstrated by the russians and those who continue to listen to russian news - these people are living in a parallel world).

Here are 10 True or False Questions (+answers). Try to guess. Do not peek!

1.

Original or False?

2.

Original or False?

3.

Original or manipulation?

4.

Original or False?

5.

Real or photo manipulation?

6.

Original or False?

7.

Real or manipulation?

8.

Original or Fake?

9.

Real or photo manipulation?

10.

Original or False?

How many correct answers did you get?

Search for more manipulation techniques and fight with a manipulation which very often is equal to a lie.

Keep in mind that no tools is perfect. Always do multiply searches with different tools.

Here is the sequence of images of the total lunar eclipse on 16 May 2022 was put on one original photo taken that night. Here you can see how the moon was setting and how the phases of eclipse were visible in Swakopmund.

If you find this type of information and the source is credible, you can easily determine whether all the other photos are true or not.

1. Be mindful of the source

Online platforms have different standards, so stories that seem credible should still be observed critically.

2. Be critical of the content

Consider why this story was shared and read beyond the headline. If the content cites a credible source, check whether the citation is true. You can also use fact-check tools if you’re unsure about a particular topic.

3. Review the comments

Comments could play a bigger role in disinformation tactics than actual posts.

4. Identify its origin

Knowing where and when the information was captured determines whether visual media aligns with the timeframe or location described in the write-up. Be skeptical of media that doesn’t cite a visual’s original source.

5. Consider your own bias

Your own opinions and experiences influence how you perceive online media. Consider how your bias may interfere with content analysis.

6. Use reverse image search

Use a reverse image search engine to verify the media’s provenance. This helps identify if an old photo or video is being falsely reused.

Media manipulation is just one example of a top threat to modern democracies and public safety.