I wonder how to effectively study online disinformation

Speaker(s):

Vassilis Routsis, UCL

Abstract:

Disinformation is not new on social media platforms, but recent developments have amplified its impact on society. With developments like the explosive growth of platforms like TikTok and Elon Musk’s acquisition of Twitter, the ways people consume and share information online are constantly changing. The emergence of accessible generative AI technology has made creating and distributing false or misleading content easier than ever. Today, disinformation spreads rapidly across networks, often using sensational headlines, deep fakes, and manipulated visuals to capture attention and shape opinions. It takes many forms - from political propaganda and health myths to fabricated news stories and conspiracy theories. Disinformation is designed to exploit human emotions, biases, and trust in familiar sources. This digital landscape makes it challenging to discern truth from fiction, affecting public discourse, influencing elections, and even altering social norms.