Behaviour change experts tackle misinformation at free Change Room event ‘Misinformation – A True Story’ held Thursday Nov 7 in Melbourne

As Australia grapples with an unprecedented flow of misinformation, a growing concern is emerging: Are Australians equipped to separate truth from fiction in an era dominated by fake news and conspiracy theories? Shannon Behaviour Change, in partnership with Monash University’s BehaviourWorks Australia, will shine a light on this issue in their upcoming free Change Room event, Misinformation – A True Story, on 7 November 2024.

Misinformation is rife in media headlines and across every platform, shaping public perception, sowing confusion, and often leading to harmful consequences. A recent survey found that a significant number of Australians are unsure about the accuracy of the information they consume daily, raising concerns about the impact on public discourse and decision-making.

Says Justine Sywak, director of PR and stakeholder engagement at Shannon Behaviour Change: “At a time when the internet gives everyone a voice, it’s harder than ever to distinguish fact from fiction.

“Misinformation is increasingly affecting corporations and not-for-profits as much as governments, fueling growing distrust toward major companies and leaders within the community.

“Our upcoming event with Monash University’s BehaviourWorks Australia will provide insights into how Australians are managing this onslaught of false information and why we are naturally inclined to believe in things that aren’t true.”

In Misinformation – A True Story, Justine Sywak and Dr. Denise Goodwin, behavioural science expert, will present a lively and interactive session that dives deep into why misinformation spreads so easily, how our brains are wired to jump to conclusions, and practical strategies to navigate the sea of fake news.

The session is part of The Change Room, an engaging 45-minute live event series hosted by Geoff Paine and presented by Monash University’s BehaviourWorks Australia. With a blend of science, storytelling, and entertainment, these events provide an opportunity for attendees to explore the quirks of human behaviour in a casual and thought-provoking setting.

Adds Sywak: “Our goal is to equip Australians with the tools to critically evaluate the information they consume, and this event is a perfect way to spark that awareness in a fun, interactive way. Misinformation isn’t just a challenge for researchers – it’s something that affects us all.”

Event Details:
Title: Misinformation – A True Story
Date: Thursday, 7 November 2024
Time: 5:30pm for a 5:45pm start
Location: Ground Floor, 2 Lonsdale Street, Melbourne
What’s Included: Light nibbles and complimentary beverages
Free Registration: https://www.behaviourworksaustralia.org/event/the-change-room

Monash University’s BehaviourWorks Australia Change Room events are designed to be both informative and enjoyable, with plenty of opportunities to network and discuss key societal issues in a relaxed environment.