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  I need two replies to this discussion board on either agreeing or disagreeing. 150 words for each reply the original discussion is attached  

Several factors make it more or less likely that disaster myths will be reported as fact. These factors "include the type of news coverage, the interview incidence within a news story, the disaster period being reported on, the size of the newshole devoted to the disaster, and the disaster type" (Fischer, 2008, p. 76). In his book, Henry Fischer distinguishes between soft and hard news. Soft news typically focuses on human interest stories, while hard news presents objective and factual information. Fischer notes that the more emphasis there is on soft news, the greater likelihood for myths and inaccuracies to be reported within the story (2008). Local news and officials can be the center of disaster myths spreading because, during interview incidence, they may exaggerate or report what they believe happened rather than what truly happened, furthering myths (2008). The newshole size has contributed to the reporting of myths in print media because of the increase in writing available for hard and soft news stories; "the more space devoted to disaster 'news,' the more likely we are to be exposed to myths" (2008, p. 78). 

Disaster myths greatly impact the general population and decision-makers because they muddle the waters for actual change (Clark-Ginsberg, 2020). Reporting falsities helps nobody; it gives the general population a fake narrative of what is happening, and decision-makers can not make accurate and necessary decisions because they operate with false information (2020). Giving the population hard news and objective facts on the scenario occurring, they are able to understand what is going on and make decisions for themselves based on that information. This also allows decision-makers not to be forced to work with inaccurate information, and now they can help the struggling community. 

The Bible tells us always to be honest and truthful, "Better is a poor person who walks in his integrity than one who is crooked in speech and is a fool" (Proverbs 19:1, English Standard Version, 2011). This speaks volumes for this topic because when pushing disaster myths, you endanger people's lives, making you a fool. 

- Scott Larsen