Misinformation about Human Trafficking
Human trafficking does not happen in a vacuum. It is deeply impacted by its context–the social, economic, political, and other circumstances in which it occurs. Conflicts, migrations, disasters, and other events influence the dynamics of human trafficking. Over the last few decades, the internet has made profound changes in the way human trafficking is perpetrated, investigated, and understood.
Online communication and digital content impact human trafficking in several ways. The internet has changed how perpetrators recruit and control victims, how survivors experience abuse and exploitation, and the popular understanding of how trafficking happens.
Misinformation about human trafficking is rampant in online communities and on social media platforms. From casual rumors to dangerous conspiracy groups, misinformation about human trafficking is shared online every day.
Misinformation matters because inaccurate claims about trafficking waste precious resources, undermine a community’s ability to identify victims, and mislead public policy decision makers. Perhaps most importantly, they can lead survivors of human trafficking to doubt themselves and their perception of their abuse.
Want to learn how to recognize misinformation?
Here are five common themes in misinformation that will help you recognize harmful and untrustworthy content:
1. Mysterious or Secretive Content - stories that invoke secret, unidentified, or mysterious sources.
It is not necessary to rely on information from people who cannot or will not identify themselves. Experts in the field of human trafficking–from law enforcement agencies, government agencies, nonprofit organizations, or academic institutions–share reliable information without the need for anonymity.
2. Claims of Cover Up or Conspiracy - statements claiming that trafficking is ignored or neglected.
Governments, organizations, and coalitions continually work to combat trafficking. Resources vary from place to place, but there are many dedicated individuals working hard to intervene for survivors of trafficking every day. Claiming otherwise is an attempt to promote suspicion and panic.
3. Bad Faith Comparison - the comparison of trafficking to other controversial social issues.
Comparing the statistics around human trafficking to other hot button issues like abortion, the pandemic, or race relations is a tool used to radicalize and misinform. This tactic is often used to undermine a social movement or issue, or to create the illusion of conspiracy or avoidance on the part of the media.
4. Political Bias - when human trafficking is primarily associated with a political party or figure.
Neither the perpetration nor the intervention into human trafficking is related to a political philosophy or affiliation. Perpetrators of trafficking can originate from any demographic–political or otherwise–and it takes cooperation from all perspectives to effectively combat trafficking.
5. Like-Share-Subscribe Syndrome - instances in which sharing content is the only recommended response.
Sharing content should not be the only goal of a communication campaign around human trafficking. Supporting the efforts of an organization, seeking out training or coalition building, or volunteering time in support of survivors are options usually offered by legitimate sources of information on human trafficking.
True awareness requires us to become vigilant in recognizing these signs and empowered to educate our communities. Rapha International is committed to walking alongside each girl no matter where they are in their journey. You can come alongside survivors by digging deeper and being aware.
