Roswell Rumor Page Works To Combat Misinformation

ROSWELL, GA — In an age where residents have instant access to information from a plethora of sources, it's easy to become overwhelmed in trying to decide what is the truth and what is pure fiction.

Many local governments like the city of Roswell are not immune to this modern-day phenomenon, as public servants often find themselves putting out fires that began with a piece of information that was either misunderstood or completely false. To help dispel any rumors or misinformation about projects, issues and concerns within the city, Roswell has launched a new website to provide "just the facts" to its residents.

The website will cite incorrect information that's circulating in the community or on social media, and counter that statement with an objective statement based on facts, such as formal codes or regulations related to the matter or the official public record of decisions on a certain issue. The website, the city said, is one of many ways it will promote transparency and honesty and strengthen trust in the community.

(For more news like this, find your local Patch here. If you have an iPhone, click here to get the free Patch iPhone app; download the free Patch Android app here)

“Every formal decision made in the city of Roswell goes through an official process," said Roswell Community Relations Manager Julie Brechbill. "There is a system of checks and balances, strict policies and procedures, and measures for oversight. The purpose of this page is not to influence or direct opinion about a particular project or topic; on the contrary, it is to present factual information citizens can use to become better informed about local issues.”

Government policies and procedures can be very complex and easily misunderstood. And in an era in which technology and online social networks make sharing information fast and easy, the potential for inaccurate information to spread — however inadvertent — is high.

“We’ve seen that widespread misinformation has an adverse impact on our community’s understanding of not only a particular project or issue, but on the work of local government in general,” said Brechbill.

Roswell has already addressed quite a few rumors making the rounds in the city. For example, Roswell rejects the allegation that the city administrator screens emails before they are sent to Mayor Lori Henry and City Council members. It also tackles the rumor that a developer is planning to build townhomes on the old East Roswell Target site.

"No plans have been submitted to the city of Roswell to build townhomes where the Target shopping Center on Holcomb Bridge Road is located," the city adds. "In addition, this property is not currently zoned for townhomes."

Topic selection will be based on projects, issues, or concerns reported to the city through direct communication with staff, leadership, or elected officials, or on issues that come up with frequency on social media. Roswell staff members will research the topic and provide links, when applicable, to supportive documentation. Each rumor will be hyperlinked, providing readers with a chance to learn more about the topic.

“The hope is that the city’s Rumor Page will become an online touchstone for fact-based communication within our city, enabling opportunities for education and the well-informed discourse needed for true community engagement,” said Brechbill.

You can click here to check out the Roswell Rumor page.

Image via city of Roswell