Misinformation Is Turning American Disasters Into Toxic Battlegrounds.

The article discusses how misinformation is increasingly affecting American disaster response efforts, particularly in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene in North Carolina. Deep political polarization, weakened trust in institutions, and lack of content moderation on social media contribute to the spread of false claims. The article highlights the challenges faced by FEMA and local officials in combating misinformation and disinformation, emphasizing the need for proactive measures to address false narratives effectively. The impact of misinformation on communities, emergency response, and public safety is a central theme throughout the text. [Extracted from the article]