Social Media and Disinformation

Timely Thoughts Around This 2024 Election Season

In today’s world, children are growing up in a digital playground dominated by social media and big tech companies. While these platforms offer opportunities for learning, creativity, and connection, they also pose significant threats to the development and well-being of young minds.

How? Reprogramming

Since the inception of social media platforms, tech giants like Meta and X have designed digital spaces to capture and hold attention using exaggeration, hyperbole, confrontation, and, particularly, controversy. Through sophisticated algorithms, tech companies serve content tailored to individual preferences, often amplifying sensational, emotionally charged, and divisive material. This constant barrage can reprogram brains, particularly of children, altering their attitudes, behaviors, and beliefs while perpetuating misinformation. With countless posts, tweets, and videos vying for users’ attention, exaggeration and controversy have become common tactics to stand out and attract more eyeballs.

The Psychology Behind Use of Controversy

Emotional Engagement

Humans are emotional beings and content that evokes strong emotions is more likely to capture and retain attention. Controversy, hyperbole, and exaggeration are powerful tools for eliciting emotions such as anger, excitement, fear, or surprise. These intense emotions can lead to higher engagement rates, as people are more likely to interact with content that makes them feel strongly. They can also lead to incidents like the January 6th insurrection at the U.S. Capitol.

Social media algorithms often create echo chambers where users are exposed primarily to information that aligns with their existing beliefs. This reinforcement of views, coupled with the confirmation bias, can lead to radicalization. Users become more entrenched in their opinions and more resistant to facts they cannot reconcile, increasing the likelihood of extreme actions.

The constant exposure to emotionally charged, controversial content polarizes and divides. Users begin to see those with opposing views not just as different but as enemies. This polarization can create an “us versus them” mentality, a key driver of conflict.

Content that provokes fear and anger is particularly effective in driving engagement. These emotions can cloud judgment, making individuals more susceptible to manipulative messaging. When users are constantly bombarded with content that makes them feel threatened or outraged, they are more likely to take drastic actions in the real world.

Viral Spread of Misinformation and Disinformation

Controversial and sensational content is more likely to go viral despite its inaccuracy. Misinformation and disinformation can spread rapidly on social media, influencing beliefs and behaviors.

Social media platforms are fertile ground for the spread of conspiracy theories. These theories often present simple explanations for complex issues, making them appealing to users looking for immediate gratification and quick answers. The spread of conspiracy theories can create a distorted reality where individuals believe drastic actions are necessary to combat imagined threats.

A prime example is the “Big Lie”. The term “Big Lie” refers to a propaganda technique used to manipulate public opinion by telling a lie so colossal that no one would believe that someone “could have the impudence to distort the truth so infamously.” Adolf Hitler popularized the concept in his book “Mein Kampf,” where he accused Jewish people of using this tactic. Ironically, it was the Nazi regime that famously employed the Big Lie to manipulate public opinion and justify their actions during World War II.

The “Big Lie” strategy was prominently used in the 2020 U.S. presidential election context. Even before the election took place, then-President Donald Trump and his allies began sowing doubts about the integrity of the electoral process, suggesting that the only way he could lose was if the election was “rigged” or “stolen.”

Post-Election Disinformation Campaign

After Joe Biden won the election, these “Big Lie” claims intensified. Former President Trump and his supporters asserted, without facts or evidence, that there had been widespread voter fraud and that the election had been stolen. The narrative persisted despite numerous audits, recounts, and over 60 court cases rejecting these claims due to lack of evidence.

Social media platforms played a crucial role in amplifying the “Big Lie.” Platforms like Twitter, Facebook, and YouTube saw a surge in posts and videos spreading false claims about the election. Algorithms prioritizing engagement often promoted this sensational content, ensuring it reached a broad audience.

Algorithms designed to maximize engagement, like “The Big Lie”, with its sensational claims and emotionally charged nature, were frequently promoted by algorithms. This amplification served the economic interests of tech giants such as Facebook, Twitter (now X), and YouTube platforms by keeping users engaged and on their sites for longer periods, which equaled higher revenues. In other words, “greed” without consideration of the consumers they hurt. This is the opposite of humane technology.

The Negativity Bias (See the NIH Study)

Negativity bias is a well-documented psychological phenomenon in which negative information significantly impacts our attention and memory more than positive information. This bias means people are likelier to notice, remember, and share harmful or controversial content. Social media platforms and content creators exploit this bias to maximize engagement.

Constant exposure to negative, controversial, or exaggerated content can have adverse effects on mental health, contributing to anxiety, stress, and a skewed perception of reality, leading to a serious mental health impact.

Strategies for Users To Combat Disinformation

Verify Information Sources (Media Literacy)

Always check the credibility of the source before sharing or engaging with content. Look for reputable news outlets, official statements, and well-known experts to confirm the accuracy of information. Some examples include:

The New York Times: Renowned for its comprehensive reporting, investigative journalism, and in-depth analysis, The New York Times is a leading global news source. It covers various topics, including politics, business, technology, and culture.

BBC News: The BBC is the national broadcaster of the United Kingdom and is known for its impartial and reliable news coverage. It provides extensive international reporting and is respected for its fairness and accuracy.

The Washington Post: The Washington Post is another major American newspaper with a strong reputation for investigative journalism and detailed reporting. It covers national and international news, politics, and social issues.

Reuters: Reuters is a highly trusted international news organization that provides news and information on a global scale. Known for its accuracy and speed, Reuters covers a broad spectrum of topics, from financial markets to world events.

The Guardian: Based in the United Kingdom, The Guardian is respected for its investigative journalism, editorial independence, and commitment to ethical reporting. It provides thorough coverage of international news, politics, and environmental issues.

Use Fact-Checking Tools and Learn about Media Literacy

Utilize fact-checking websites and tools such as Snopes, FactCheck.org, and PolitiFact to verify the authenticity of claims and reports before believing or sharing them. Here are five helpful fact-checking tools that can help you verify information and debunk misinformation found on the internet:

Snopes — Snopes is one of the oldest and most well-known fact-checking websites. It covers various topics, including urban legends, political claims, and viral content. The site provides detailed explanations and sources for its findings.

FactCheck.org: Operated by the Annenberg Public Policy Center of the University of Pennsylvania, FactCheck.org focuses on political claims made by U.S. politicians and statements made in public policy debates. It provides in-depth analysis and clear verdicts on the accuracy of the claims.

PolitiFact: Checks statements made by politicians, pundits, and other public figures in the U.S. It uses a “Truth-O-Meter” to rate the accuracy of claims, ranging from “True” to “Pants on Fire.”

Reuters Fact Check: A division of Reuters focusing on debunking misinformation found online, especially on social media. It provides thorough analyses and evidence to clarify and correct false claims.

The Associated Press (AP): Runs a fact-checking section that evaluates the accuracy of news stories, viral content, and statements made by public figures. It provides clear explanations and context to help readers understand the truth behind the claims.

These tools are easily accessible and provide reliable information to help you verify the accuracy of various claims and combat misinformation.

Follow Diverse and Reputable Accounts

Follow a wide range of reputable news sources and experts across the political spectrum to get a balanced view of current events and avoid echo chambers.

Tips for Identifying Reputable Accounts

• Check Credentials and Background — Look for accounts run by individuals or organizations with credible backgrounds. Verify their expertise, qualifications, and affiliations. Reputable journalists, academics, and experts usually have verifiable credentials and professional affiliations.
• Examine the Content Quality — Reputable accounts often provide well-researched, evidence-based information. Check if they cite credible sources, provide data, and include references. Look for detailed analysis rather than sensationalist headlines.
• Assess Transparency and Accountability — Trustworthy accounts are transparent about their sources of information and funding. They also correct mistakes and provide updates when necessary. Check if the account has a history of issuing corrections or acknowledging errors.
• Look for Recognized Affiliations — Accounts affiliated with reputable institutions, such as established media outlets, universities, research institutions, and professional organizations, are more likely to be reliable.
• Consistency and Longevity — Long-standing accounts with a consistent history of reliable information are generally more trustworthy. Newer accounts may need more time to establish credibility.

Tips for Ensuring Diversity

• Follow Different Perspectives: To ensure diversity, follow accounts from various backgrounds, including different political, social, and cultural perspectives. This can help you gain a more balanced understanding of issues.
• International Sources: Include accounts from different countries and regions to get a global perspective. International news outlets and experts can provide insights that domestic sources might overlook.

Cross-Check Information

• Follow multiple accounts on the same topic to cross-check information and identify potential biases. Comparing different viewpoints can help you discern a more accurate picture.

Diverse Mediums and Formats

• Engage with diverse mediums like articles, podcasts, videos, and infographics. Different formats can provide varied insights and make complex topics more accessible.

Community and Grassroots Voices

• Include accounts from community organizations, grassroots movements, and local journalists. These voices can offer unique perspectives on issues affecting specific communities.

Examples of Reputable Accounts to Follow

• Journalists and News Outlets
• The New York Times: @nytimes
• BBC News: @BBCWorld
• Reuters: @Reuters

Fact-Checking Organizations

• FactCheck.org: @factcheckdotorg
• PolitiFact: @PolitiFact
• Snopes: @snopes

Academics and Researchers

• NPR’s Social Science Correspondent Shankar Vedantam: @HiddenBrain
• MIT Technology Review: @techreview

Diverse Perspectives

• Al Jazeera English: @AJEnglish (International news from a non-Western perspective)
• The Guardian: @guardian (UK-based news outlet with a global focus)

Be Skeptical of Sensational Content

• Exercise caution with sensational or emotionally charged content. Such posts are often designed to provoke strong reactions and may be inaccurate.
• Limit Engagement with Controversial Topics
• Avoid engaging in discussions or sharing content related to highly controversial topics unless you are well-informed and confident in the accuracy of your information.

Adjust Social Media Algorithms

• Use the settings on your social media platforms to prioritize content from trusted sources and limit exposure to controversial or sensationalist posts.

Take Regular Digital Detoxes

• Periodically disconnect from social media to reduce exposure to potentially misleading or controversial content and maintain a healthier mental balance.

Educate Yourself on Media Literacy

• Invest time in learning about media literacy to understand better how media works, recognize biases, and identify reliable sources of information.

Report Misinformation

• Actively report posts that you identify as misinformation to the social media platform to help reduce the spread of false information.

Engage in Constructive Conversation

• When discussing sensitive topics, aim for constructive and respectful dialogue. Approach conversations with an open mind and be willing to consider multiple perspectives.

Taking these steps can ensure that you follow a diverse range of reputable accounts that provide well-rounded and reliable information. This approach helps you stay informed and critically engaged with the content you consume on social media and the Internet.