How visualizations can help debunk misinformation

Interesting and very relevant: the battle against misinformation and the role visualizations can play in it. I attended a session on creating scientific visualizations by Jen Christiansen, Senior Graphics Editor of Scientific American and author of the fantastic handbook 'Building science graphics: An Illustrated Guide to Communicating Science through Diagrams and Visualizations'.

Using a case study, we worked on debunking a myth about Covid and vaccination. We used the mortality rates (caused by Covid) for a week in March 2022* as input. It was a great example of applying the "truth sandwich": sandwich the misinformation/myth between facts on both sides. More specifically:

1. Start with the facts.
2. Identify the myth (and how it could be derived from these facts) and,
3. explain why conclusion (2) is incorrect. Explain what conclusion can correctly be drawn from the facts.

All of this should be done with the right tone (not condescending) to ensure your target audience continues to listen to you and finds you credible. It's quite a challenge.

I have developed several possibilities into concrete examples (with motivation and explanations in blue). The most effective one will depend on the context and the target audience, but it's clear that what you present and how can make a big difference!