Sander van der Linden, PhD, researcher at Cambridge University, discusses the prevalence of misinformation, why it spreads like a virus, and strategies to combat it. He explores the impact of generative AI technology, recognizing and combating false political information online, the disparities between traditional media and social media in fact-checking, and the role of community leaders in spreading accurate information.
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Quick takeaways
Misinformation can spread farther and faster than ever due to the rise of social media.
Inoculating individuals against misinformation involves preemptive exposure to weakened doses of misinformation and providing them with tools to recognize and resist it.
Deep dives
Defining Misinformation
Misinformation is defined as any information that is demonstrably false or otherwise misleading. This includes outright false information as well as half-truths, biased narratives, misleading argumentation, and logical fallacies.
Prevalence of Misinformation
The amount of misinformation people are exposed to varies depending on the definition used. If purely fabricated information is considered, it may only constitute a small percentage of people's media consumption. However, when considering misleading information, it can make up a larger portion, potentially up to 20%. Exposure to misinformation also varies based on the sources individuals rely on, with social media users more likely to encounter misinformation.
Role of Social Media Platforms
Social media platforms' efforts to address misinformation can fluctuate depending on public demand and external factors. While some companies have taken steps to monitor and fact-check content during elections or pandemics, they have also faced criticisms for being lenient and reducing moderation efforts. The hesitation to tackle misinformation extensively is further amplified in a politically charged climate.
Building Immunity to Misinformation
Inoculating individuals against misinformation involves preemptive exposure to weakened doses of misinformation and providing them with tools to recognize and resist it. This approach, referred to as pre-bunking, aims to build cognitive antibodies and resilience. Education plays a crucial role in teaching media literacy and critical thinking skills, potentially starting at a young age, or through wider implementation and integration of these concepts into the educational system. Additionally, the concept of herd immunity against misinformation suggests that if enough individuals are effectively inoculated, the spread of misinformation can be significantly reduced.
Misleading news stories. Propaganda. Conspiracy theories. Misinformation has always been with us, but with the rise of social media it can spread farther and faster than ever. Sander van der Linden, PhD, of Cambridge University, talks about why we’re so vulnerable to misinformation, how much we’re really all exposed to, why misinformation spreads like a virus and how we can “inoculate” people against it, and how AI is changing the landscape of misinformation.