Ajuma Mary Abah’s Post

Just completed a course on Media and Misinformation! 🎓 In today's digital age, the spread of false information can have widespread consequences, from influencing public opinion to shaping policy decisions. This course helped me dive deep into the techniques used to detect misinformation and the role of media in combating it. I'm excited to apply these insights to better evaluate the content we encounter every day and contribute to a more informed and responsible digital space.

We must take the time to verify all the information before we call it news. Hence, Print media is universally regarded as more trustworthy than its digital media. Absolutely, staying vigilant and verifying the accuracy of news received through digital mediums is crucial in today's information landscape. With the proliferation of social media and online platforms, misinformation and fake news can spread rapidly, leading to confusion, polarization, and harm. The digital news cycle prioritizes breaking news, sometimes sacrificing in-depth verification for speed. This can lead to inaccurate or incomplete information being published initially. Social media algorithms tend to show us content that aligns with our existing beliefs, creating echo chambers and making it harder to encounter diverse perspectives.

In today's digital age, social media has become a breeding ground for misinformation and disinformation. It's increasingly challenging to distinguish fact from fiction, as narratives are often distorted or exaggerated to grab attention and generate engagement. The consequences of swallowing false information can be severe, from influencing elections to sparking violence. It's essential to develop a critical eye and fact-check information before accepting it as true. Here are some reality-checking tips: - Verify sources: Ensure the information comes from credible, trustworthy sources. - Cross-check facts: Consult multiple sources to confirm accuracy. - Be skeptical: Approach sensational or provocative content with caution. - Watch for bias: Recognize when information is presented with a particular agenda or perspective. By being mindful of these factors, we can effectively separate fact from fiction and make informed decisions. Let's take responsibility for our online interactions and promote a culture of truth and accuracy. The reality check starts with us!

Understanding the power and reach of cross-border media is more important than ever in our rapidly globalizing society. Whether it's traditional news broadcasts, digital platforms, or social media, cross-border media have a profound impact on shaping our attitudes, beliefs, and perceptions. In a world where geographical boundaries no longer limit the flow of information, the narratives presented by cross-border media often define our understanding of world events. However, with great power comes the responsibility to disseminate ethical and accurate information. Our latest blog delves into the compelling role of cross-border media in forming narratives, highlighting its influence on perceptions, and discussing the challenges and ethical implications in our ever-evolving digital age. Read on to glean insights into the critical impact of cross-border media in our globally connected society and the exciting future it promises. Full Article found here : https://lnkd.in/gJiZajCD

Distrust of 'mainstream' media has led to the rise of hyperpartisan sources for political information. But who are the consumers of alternative media? How are alternative media websites interconnected, and what content do they present? Read this paper by Pu Yan (Peking University) and Ralph Schroeder (Oxford Internet Institute, University of Oxford) via Weizenbaum Journal of the Digital Society: ➡ https://lnkd.in/dvtWDp_Q #populism #media #mediaattention #fakenews #webtracking #socialscience #communication #digitalmedia #wjds #openaccess

Is Distrust the New Norm for Online Information?🕵️♂️ Here's the TruTake: • Doubtful of Accuracy: Most people are skeptical about the accuracy of what they read online. • Curious for Others' Opinions: A close second, many want to know others’ thoughts before trusting new info. • Confident in Insight: Only a small fraction feel they’re getting exclusive or reliable information. 📉 Even expert sources aren’t fully trusted! Those who saw this coming share one bold view: “Expert sources are not enough.” Social media gives us access to unique insights—but it also fuels our doubts. #DistrustOnline #TruthInDoubt #SocialMedia

Openness, accuracy, fairness, and lack of bias are among the top factors that influence people’s trust in news media, revealed in the Digital News Report 2024. Download the report today to learn more about what audiences are thinking on key topics for the media industry: https://gag.gl/rm4kW7

Today in the “common place” post for my “Disinformation in the Digital Age” course, I want to highlight a new framework for responding to disinformation. Camille François outlines the “three key vectors characteristic of viral deception” to help “guide regulatory and industry remedies.” She argues that manipulative actors, deceptive behaviors, and harmful content work in concert to fuel the proliferation of disinformation. This “ABC” framework is a promising tool to better understand disinformation. By exploring the who (actors), what (content), and how (behaviors) within a specific “where” (social media), it helps bring together different approaches to countering disinformation. Most importantly, it emphasizes the interconnected nature of these vectors and the necessity of a balanced approach that responds not just to harmful content, but also to the deceptive behaviors and manipulative actors that create and drive it. #Disinformation

Openness, accuracy, fairness, and lack of bias are among the top factors that influence people’s trust in news media, revealed in the Digital News Report 2024. Download the report today to learn more about what audiences are thinking on key topics for the media industry: https://ow.ly/RLw750SvMsK

📢 Exciting news! Check out our latest blog post titled "Unveiling News Publishers Trustworthiness Through Social Interactions" on arXiv. The post introduces a groundbreaking framework for assessing the trustworthiness of online news publishers using user interactions on social media platforms. This innovative approach not only helps identify reliable online publishers but also offers an initial estimation of the trustworthiness of previously unclassified news outlets. Don't miss out on this insightful read! Access the full post here: https://bit.ly/42V67Lf