Clare Seibert’s Post

Social media owners, politicians, and governments are the biggest threats to a trustworthy online news environment, according to the International Panel on the Information Environment. The panel’s findings highlight the influence of social media platform owners and the negative impact of AI-generated content on the information environment. Experts recommend promoting a free and independent media, implementing digital literacy campaigns, and encouraging fact-checking to counter these problems.

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

Misinformation is a decades-old problem, but it has been rapidly exacerbated by the rise of the internet and widespread use of social media. Our online guide provides practical steps that scientists can take to assess misinformation and disinformation, determine whether and how they should address it, and effectively communicate corrective information. Read at https://ow.ly/X7IS50RNmgV. #Misinformation #Disinformation #ScienceCommunication #SciComm

Great BBC News article proposing steps for spotting misinformation in the new age of fast moving information. "One study, for example, found that just 15% of news sharers spread up to 40% of fake news." (study citation: https://lnkd.in/dcuk-wWx) Luckily, there are solutions, including the proposed "SIFT" method in the article: Stop 🛑 : In our fast-paced, digitally-driven world, it's crucial to pause before reacting to online content, resisting the urge to immediately share or comment in order to reflect and verify the information. Investigate the Source 🤔 : Determine the credibility of a post's creator by researching their background, expertise, and biases on reputable websites, including their financial and political affiliations. Find Better Coverage 🌏 : Look for trustworthy verification of claims by using tools like Google News or fact-checking sites, ensuring these sources themselves are credible and connected to reliable networks. Trace the Claim 🛣 : Trace a claim back to its original source to verify its accuracy and context, checking for any potential misrepresentations or alterations in the way it's been presented online. These steps pinpoint everything that https://AskNews.app does to improve transparency into a story 🚀 , *especially* finding better coverage (try crossing language and country barriers to get the full picture) and tracing claims (how about a direct linked citation to every single claim in a news report). https://lnkd.in/dNu6c9Rk #bbc BBC News #misinformation #ai4good #diversity Amanda Ruggeri

Cost of generation and distribution of [dis] information: "Social media took the cost of distribution [of information] to zero, and generative Al takes the cost of generation [of information] to zero," says Renée DiResta of the Stanford Internet Observatory. #cost #information generation # information distribution #disinformation #misinformation

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

Are you keeping up to date on the ever-evolving algorithms that govern social media platforms? In today's digital landscape, crucial evidence can easily get lost. At Smith & Carson, we understand the intricate web of digital trails and the challenges AM Law 100 firms face in uncovering the complete narrative. Our specialized team of complex fact investigators: 🔍 Unveil hidden connections across online platforms and public records. ⚙️ Navigate social media algorithms to identify relevant information. 📡 Verify authenticity and identify biases in online data. ⌛ Build comprehensive timelines for rock-solid cases.

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

🚨 Fake news alert! 🚨 In today's digital age, misinformation spreads like wildfire. It's crucial to equip ourselves and our children with the tools to identify fake news. Discover the 3 simple yet effective steps to identify fake news, right here: Step 1: Check the Source - Verify the credibility of the news outlet. Step 2: Scrutinize the Content - Watch for sensational headlines, lack of evidence, and biased language. Step 3: Fact-Check Claims - Cross-reference the information with trusted sources. Like, comment, and share to join the movement against fake news and create a more informed, resilient community. Together, we can empower the next generation to navigate the digital landscape with confidence and discernment. #childonlinesafety #childonlineprotection #internetsafety #wellbeing #digitalwellbeing #digitalparenting #SaferTogether

📰 Celebrating Global Media Literacy Week: Protect Yourself from Online Disinformation 📰 In today’s digital world, disinformation tactics are increasingly sophisticated—ranging from cloned websites to AI-generated deepfakes aimed at manipulating emotions and clouding judgment. To help tackle this challenge, the European Commission and its partners provide tips and resources to help recognize disinformation, resist manipulation, and identify trustworthy sources. These tools are essential for safely navigating the digital landscape and making informed decisions about the content we share. As we observe Global Media Literacy Week, take a moment to empower yourself against disinformation. Explore these resources to stay informed and share responsibly: https://lnkd.in/dsa9A58G #WebsterAthens #GlobalMediaLiteracyWeek #Disinformation #DigitalLiteracy #StayInformed