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GeekWire

Rumors, AI, and the 2024 election

Nov 2, 2024
Danielle Lee Thompson, a research manager at the University of Washington Center for an Informed Public, dives into the role of AI and social media in spreading misinformation ahead of the 2024 election. She discusses how financial incentives fuel the rumor mill and the influence of AI-generated content on public perception. Thompson emphasizes the critical need for media literacy and fact-checking, particularly around divisive topics like non-citizen voting. Solutions for bridging the gap between academia and public understanding are also explored.
32:24

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Quick takeaways

  • AI is increasingly shaping misinformation during elections, complicating public perceptions and challenging the boundaries between emotional responses and factual accuracy.
  • The persistence of election-related myths, like non-citizen voting rumors, demonstrates the cyclical nature of misinformation and its impact on public trust in democratic processes.

Deep dives

Understanding Misinformation Dynamics

The discussion emphasizes the evolution of misinformation during election cycles, particularly highlighting the nuances of how rumors can oscillate between truths and falsehoods. Researchers at the Center for an Informed Public explore the complexity of rumors, noting that many are often a blend of accurate and exaggerated claims. The concept of 'collective sense-making' is also introduced, where the public seeks to understand rapidly changing information in uncertain environments, like democratic elections. By recognizing that rumors can provide insights into public sentiment, the team aims to dissect how specific narratives are shaped and spread.

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