The Challenge of Non-News News: Cutting Through the Confusion

In today’s fast-paced digital world, information spreads faster than ever. But with this constant flow of updates, headlines, and social media posts, a growing problem has emerged — how do we know what is real, relevant, or even applicable to our daily lives?   

Columbians, like people everywhere, rely on social media for local updates. While social media can be a great way to stay connected, it’s important to remember that almost anyone can post almost anything, and misinformation can spread rapidly, even if it’s not factual.  

Too often what starts as a well-meaning post can quickly spiral into confusion. We’ve seen it happen when executive orders are issued at the state or federal level — within minutes, social media lights up with people asking, “What does this mean for Columbia?” The problem? Many times, the people sharing or reacting to the news don’t have all the facts. And before official sources have had a chance to clarify the details, misinformation spreads.   

Take, for example, a recent executive order on housing assistance. Within hours of its announcement, posts flooded local Facebook groups claiming that rental assistance programs in Columbia were ending immediately. In reality, the order had no direct impact on local programs — but that didn’t stop panic and frustration from spreading before the facts were clear.   

This is the challenge of “non-news news.” It’s not always fake information, but it’s often incomplete, misleading, or lacks the necessary context to understand its actual impact. When these stories take off, they distract from the real issues that need attention and make it harder for people to trust the information they receive.   

So, how can we cut through the confusion?   

Pause before you share. If something sparks an emotional reaction — anger, panic, or urgency — take a moment to verify it before passing it along. Sensational headlines are often designed to generate clicks, not clarity.   

Go to the source. If the news involves a local issue, check official city, county, or state websites before assuming how it applies to Columbia. Our city works hard to provide accurate, timely updates through official channels, and we encourage residents to rely on these sources.   

Cross-check with reputable news outlets. If only one social media post is reporting something major, that’s a red flag. Established journalists follow strict fact-checking procedures — if it’s big news, multiple reliable sources will be covering it.  

Ask yourself: Does this affect me directly? Not every national policy change, viral story, or alarming headline has local consequences. It’s important to stay informed, but also to focus on what’s relevant to our own community.   

Our own Daniel Boone Regional Library offers an excellent online series of videos that explore different aspects of media literacy. I encourage everyone to check them out and empower themselves to be more discerning consumers of information. And remember, media literacy isn’t just about protecting ourselves from misinformation — it’s about keeping our community grounded in reality. When we share responsibly, we help create a Columbia that is informed, engaged, and focused on the issues that truly matter.   

To the residents of Columbia: thank you for staying curious, questioning what you see online, and working together to ensure that our city thrives on facts, not fear. Let’s continue building a culture of trust, where accurate information leads the way. 

---

Barbara Buffaloe currently is serving her first term in office as the mayor of Columbia.