On This Day in History: Lessons from Orson Welles’ War of the Worlds and the Modern Challenge of Misinformation

Today marks the anniversary of Orson Welles’ famous War of the Worlds radio broadcast on October 30, 1938. For those who may not be familiar, Welles’ dramatization of H.G. Wells’ novel—delivered through realistic, news-style bulletins—captured listeners across the United States with the story of an alien invasion. In the process, it accidentally caused widespread panic among some who mistook the fictional broadcast for a real emergency.

The incident highlighted an early but powerful example of media’s impact, and even 85 years later, it serves as a reminder of how easy it is for information to blur the lines between reality and fiction. Today, however, our landscape has evolved: with the rise of digital platforms, we now have social media amplifying information—true and false—to a level unimaginable in Welles' time.

It’s no secret that fake news has become a buzzword of our age. Modern studies show that misleading or false information is alarmingly prevalent online. In fact, research from MIT reveals that false stories are 70% more likely to be shared than true ones, largely due to their sensational nature. A Statista report further found that up to 50% of users encounter misinformation daily. This volume and frequency of "fake news" on social media poses a serious risk to public trust, health, and democratic values worldwide.

The lessons from 1938 are clear: media, whether traditional or digital, has an undeniable power to shape perceptions. As professionals, leaders, and consumers of information, we each carry a responsibility to think critically, verify sources, and question sensational stories before sharing. It’s a practice that not only protects our networks but also contributes to building a more informed, resilient society.

Now, with the U.S. elections just a week away, we’re at a critical juncture where misinformation could play a major role. Here’s a question for today’s readers:

• In 2024, despite advances in media literacy and fact-checking, do you think we’re still as vulnerable to widespread misinformation as we were in the past?
• How much misinformation do you think we’ll see leading up to election day?
• And, most importantly—what steps do you think we need to take to ensure voters have access to accurate, reliable information?

I’d love to hear your thoughts!