The misinformation age
Here is an article from Claire Wardle in Scientific American about how exactly misinformation has become a huge problem in the age of social media. Social media companies and journalists have work to do, but every single person needs to understand how things are and guard themselves against misinformation.
Misinformation Has Created a New World Disorder
Some highlights:
- “Humans are wired to respond to emotional triggers and share misinformation if it reinforces existing beliefs and prejudices.”
- “Our brains are wired to rely on heuristics, or mental shortcuts, to help us judge credibility. As a result, repetition and familiarity are two of the most effective mechanisms for ingraining misleading narratives.”
- “When people are fearful, oversimplified narratives, conspiratorial explanation, and messages that demonize others become far more effective.”
- “Slowing down to check whether content is true before sharing it is far less compelling than reinforcing to your ‘audience’ on these platforms that you love or hate a certain policy.”