Welp, we are close enough to the first debate that it’s time to talk about prebunking disinformation....

Prebunking is anticipating what disinformation is likely to be repeated by politicians, pundits, and provocateurs during key events and preparing a response.

Here’s how to prebunk in 5 steps.

1. Take a look at fact checking websites and databases to get a sense of the trends in misinformation.

2. Map out which misinformation trends are popular in politicians stump speeches.

3. Find additional source material with the facts about the misinformation likely to be repeated. (And grab a few memes for dunking...)

4. Prepare your social networks for the high potential for misinformation on particular themes by sharing select prebunks.

*Repeating misinformation can have unintended negative effects. So, cite your evidence, link to fact-checks and state the truth upfront!

Make a truth sandwich:
fact
fallacy
fact

5. Now, you can turn the prebunk into a debunk. During Tuesday’s debate, anytime a false claim is made, post the correct information anywhere you see the misinformation circulating as soon as you can. Speed matters!

Truth needs an advocate.

Okay, after following some of my own advice, I think the top issues with the potential for misinformation in Tuesday's debate will be.....

1. Hunter Biden (esp, the claims about $3.5M/Russia)
2. COVID-19 response ('downplay' as a key verb)

3. Protests (Local/Federal response)
4. Trump's taxes (legitimacy of the NYTimes reporting)
5. Tara Reade's allegations ( https://www.pbs.org/newshour/politics/what-74-former-biden-staffers-think-about-tara-reades-allegations)

The American public is seriously underprepared for the misinformation that will come up about Hunter Biden in Tuesday’s debate. Searches related to HB are nearing an all time high, where related queries are very suspicious.