Misinformation
What is AI slop? A technologist explains this new and largely unwelcome form of online content
What is AI slop? A technologist explains this new and largely unwelcome form of online content AI slop refers to low- to mid-quality content created with AI tools, often with little regard for accuracy, and is spreading on social media platforms. The ease of generating content with AI enables people to submit low-quality articles, music, […]
💻 Technology
Kennedy hearing deepens crisis over dismantling of CDC leadership – health scholar explains why the agency’s ability to protect public health is compromised
Kennedy hearing deepens crisis over dismantling of CDC leadership – health scholar explains why the agency’s ability to protect public health is compromised The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is facing a crisis due to the dismantling of its leadership, which threatens Americans’ health and the agency’s survival as a leading public health […]
📰 News
College students are bombarded by misinformation, so this professor taught them fact-checking 101 − here’s what happened
College students are bombarded by misinformation, so this professor taught them fact-checking 101 − here’s what happened Professor Mike Evans noticed that his college students were being bombarded by misinformation on social media platforms like TikTok, YouTube, and Instagram, which was affecting their ability to critically evaluate information. Evans incorporated a fact-checking curriculum called Civic […]
📚 Education
Why TikTok ADHD misinformation is dangerous
Why TikTok ADHD misinformation is dangerous New research reveals that exposure to ADHD misinformation on TikTok significantly reduces students’ accurate understanding of the disorder. College students are particularly vulnerable to this type of misinformation, with over 40% using TikTok as a search engine and many turning to it for health and safety information related to […]
🏥 Health
From printing presses to Facebook feeds: What yesterday’s witch hunts have in common with today’s misinformation crisis
From printing presses to Facebook feeds: What yesterday’s witch hunts have in common with today’s misinformation crisis Historical witch hunts in Europe (1400-1780) share parallels with today’s misinformation crisis, including the spread of false information through media and the exploitation of vulnerable individuals. The printing press and publications like “Malleus Maleficarum” played a significant role […]
📰 News
Misinformation lends itself to social contagion – here’s how to recognize and combat it
Misinformation lends itself to social contagion – here’s how to recognize and combat it Misinformation on social media can spread quickly, often faster than fact, due to complex contagion, where socially learned behaviors take time to embed. The spreading of misinformation and disinformation can be influenced by social connections, perceptions of common behavior, and lack […]
📰 News
Most Americans believe misinformation is a problem — federal research cuts will only make the problem worse
Most Americans believe misinformation is a problem — federal research cuts will only make the problem worse Research on misinformation and disinformation has been severely impacted by the Trump administration’s restructuring of federal research priorities, including the cancellation of hundreds of grants that supported this research. The overwhelming majority of Americans (95%) believe misinformation’s misleading […]
📰 News
Weaponized storytelling: How AI is helping researchers sniff out disinformation campaigns
Weaponized storytelling: How AI is helping researchers sniff out disinformation campaigns AI-powered tools are being developed to detect disinformation campaigns that use narrative tactics to manipulate public opinion, particularly on social media platforms. The key to effective disinformation detection lies in understanding narrative structures, personas, timelines, and cultural references, which AI can analyze to identify […]
💻 Technology
Social media overuse tied to belief in fake news
Social media overuse tied to belief in fake news A new study found that people who experience excessive social media use are more likely to believe fake news. The study, conducted by Michigan State University researchers, involved 189 participants aged 18-26 and presented them with real and false news stories formatted as social media posts. […]
🏥 Health
Some politicians who share harmful information are rewarded with more clicks, study finds
Some politicians who share harmful information are rewarded with more clicks, study finds A study found that U.S. state legislators who post harmful information, such as low-credibility claims or uncivil language, receive more online attention and visibility on social media platforms like Facebook and Twitter. The study suggests that platform algorithms may unintentionally reward divisive […]
🏛️ Politics