Examining X platform posts in the context of misinformation during disaster periods: February 6 earthquakes

The phenomenon of misinformation, one of the most critical epistemological problems of our age, exhibits an increasingly complex structure in the digital communication ecosystem. This situation, which is a characteristic feature of the post-truth era, turns into a problem whose social effects increase exponentially, especially in times of crisis such as disasters. The February 6 Kahramanmaraş Earthquakes in 2023 stand at a very important point in measuring the spread dynamics of misinformation during disaster periods. This study systematically examines the types of misinformation spread on the X platform during the February 6 earthquakes, their spread dynamics, and their social effects. The research analyzes the structure and harm potential of misinformation during disaster periods based on the data of three independent verification platforms (Teyit.org, Doğrula.org, Doğruluk Payı) approved by the International Fact-Checking Network (IFCN) and two official institutions (AA Teyit Hattı, DMM). In this study, where the qualitative method was used, face-to-face interviews were conducted with experts on the verification platforms, and 529 confirmed content was subjected to document analysis. The obtained data was analyzed using the descriptive analysis technique. In this context, a thematic framework was created by taking into account Wardle's classification of types of misinformation. The study found that 69% of the posts containing misinformation were from X, and that the most common types of misinformation in the posts were fabrications and distortions. As a result of the study, it is recommended that new systems that include real-time verification and warning be developed in order to prevent misinformation in social media applications.