Don’t Repeat the False Claim
Leading with facts—while replacing rather than repeating the myth—is about making the truth the most clear, memorable part of your response.
When correcting misinformation, the goal is to state the accurate information first, keep any reference to the false claim brief, and immediately explain why it’s incorrect. This matters because repeating a myth, even to debunk it, can reinforce it through familiarity—an effect well documented in misinformation research.
In the context of MAiD, that means focusing on how safeguards actually work (like the requirement for explicit, informed consent at the time of provision) rather than restating misleading claims.
As Stephan Lewandowsky and colleagues outline in The Debunking Handbook, effective corrections don’t just negate falsehoods—they replace them with clear, accurate explanations that are easier to remember.