It’s claimed misinformation is sowing unnecessary division, fear and anxiety in Clare communities.
It comes as Clare County Council is set to explore rolling out anti-misinformation training for elected representatives.
Clare County Council has committed to engaging with what it describes as “suitably qualified professionals” to equip councillors to recognise and combat misinformation, disinformation and malinformation.
The three cover the unintentional spreading of inaccurate information, the deliberate spread of misinformation to manipulate or cause harm and information that is intentionally taken out of context.
The topics most commonly affected include immigration, public health, NGO funding and domestic and EU politics.
Shannonbanks Sinn Féin Councillor James Ryan says tropes used around migration are particularly harmful and nonsensical.
A North Clare representative meanwhile says the volume of misinformation is shutting down public debate and damaging community cohesion.
A New Telecom survey found that one-third of Irish adults admitted to sharing content online last year before realising it was false.
Lisdoonvarna Fine Gael Councillor Joe Garrihy says more in-person forums for public debate are needed to combat the issue.
Listen to the full interview here
