WhatsApp information practices analyzed during Rio Grande do Sul floods

A study analyzing informational practices on WhatsApp during the 2024 floods in Rio Grande do Sul highlights the platform's dual role as a tool for solidarity and a vector for disinformation. Researchers examined the “Voluntários Pet – Todo Mundo Fala” group, which consisted of approximately 400 members, to observe how information was produced and disseminated during the crisis.

The findings reveal significant tensions between mobilization efforts and the spread of unverified news. While the platform facilitated spontaneous organization and volunteer coordination, the circulation of rumors and fake news generated fear and operational difficulties. The study concludes that the lack of information curation on the app exacerbated the impact of disinformation during the climate crisis.