Harvard Data Science Review Podcast Are you Disinformed or Misinformed?
10 snips
Jun 17, 2021 
Hany Farid, a Professor at UC Berkeley specializing in disinformation, and Scott Tranter, CEO of Optimus Analytics, tackle the nuances of misinformation and its impact today. They delve into the historical roots of fake news and its effect on public trust in media. The discussion covers the challenges posed by social media and the necessity for accountability. They also advocate for education to enhance critical thinking skills, helping individuals to navigate a landscape filled with sensationalism and misinformation.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Intent Distinguishes False Information
- Disinformation is intentional falsehood spread with malicious intent while misinformation is the unintentional sharing of falsehoods.
- Distinguishing intent matters because counterstrategies differ for malicious actors versus innocent sharers.
Algorithms Amplify Democratic Publishing
- Social media democratized publishing and algorithmic amplification scales sensational content to billions of people.
- That combination turned everyone into a potential threat vector for misinformation and disinformation.
Favor Outlets With Editorial Accountability
- Prefer news sources with editorial standards, corrections, and consequences for errors when possible.
- Expect social platforms prioritize engagement over accurate information and treat them accordingly.