Alumni Digest.

Ideas · Alumni Digest original

When wildfire news goes dark, distrust spreads as fast as the flames

Research spanning a decade of wildfires reveals how eroding trust and Meta's Canadian news ban have changed where people turn for information during emergencies. Published in Alumni Digest as verified reporting from the University of British Columbia.

Research spanning a decade of wildfires reveals how eroding trust and Meta's Canadian news ban have changed where people turn for information during emergencies.

In the September issue
When wildfire news goes dark, distrust spreads as fast as the flames
Research spanning a decade of wildfires reveals how eroding trust and Meta's Canadian news ban have changed where people turn for information during emergencies. On August 1, 2023, a resident of British Columbia’s North Shuswap region could check Facebook for news about the Bush Creek East wildfire. The next day, they couldn’t. Photo: Reporting: Mary Lynn Young and Alfred Hermida. Source image retained for editorial review; rights clearance is still required before any broader reuse.

The context

Where the work begins

Research spanning a decade of wildfires reveals how eroding trust and Meta's Canadian news ban have changed where people turn for information during emergencies.

The takeaway

What follows

Further reporting continues across the university network.

Keep reading

Get the next story in your inbox.

One considered email when a new issue is ready. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.

Continue reading

You might also like

See all stories
Ideas · 2 min read

Where study meets the summer job

UBC co-op turns paid work terms into a bridge between coursework and BC’s innovation economy.

Read story
Ideas · 2 min read

The science of a bad dynamic

A UBC Okanagan researcher offers evidence-based ways to notice and respond to harmful patterns.

Read story
People · 2 min read

After the walk across the stage

A practical career map for the weeks after graduation.

Read story