Our Mission
To empower our communities with the foundational knowledge and tools to reduce the spread of misinformation so that we can elevate civil discourse and rebuild trust.
Who are we?
This Stops with US is a small group of volunteers dedicated to reducing the spread of misinformation where it stands. We believe that our communities are the backbone of democracy, and that every engaged user is the first and last line of defense against misinformation. If we empower our communities with the tools and techniques to identify and call out misinformation, we can elevate civil discourse and rebuild trust in our institutions... and each other.
We, the People, are the first and last line of defense against misinformation.
We will fight misinformation by providing knowledge and tools so that any reader can confidently discern accurate from misleading information without the need to become information experts.
We will regularly post content that breaks down complex communications concepts.
We will distill large volumes of established research into bite-sized, easily applicable chunks to make it more applicable for everyday users.
We will share tools that can make it easier to stay informed while avoiding misinformation.
Why is it important?
It's now well documented that disinformation played a role and targeted both major parties in the 2016 US election, but this is not a uniquely American problem. Across the globe disinformation campaigns have bolstered a worrying rise in authoritarianism that most experts agree threaten democracies around the world.
Today, misinformation has taken on greater urgency and will only become more difficult to stop as a shifting tactics and new technologies complicate the digital information landscape. Misinformation is spreading like wildfire and social media platforms struggling to enforce their own standards, a critical mind is the most effective tool against misinformation.
What can you do?
The best response starts with us. Arm yourself with the tools to slow the spread of misinformation. Visit our knowledge guide, Silence is Complicity to learn how to spot misinformation and speak up whenever you see misinformation shared by loved ones. We're stronger together.
