Thread by @DigiSoc_ODI, In polarised times, #elections can heighten societal tensions and affect out [...]

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DigiSoc_ODI

In polarised times, #elections

can heighten societal tensions and affect out susceptibility to #misinformation and #disinformation (MDI).

But what exactly is MDI? Follow the

for

things to know about this #globalchallenge. https://bit.ly/2TzAnIJ

In polarised times, #elections can heighten societal tensions and affect out susceptibility to #misinformation and #disinformation (MDI). But what exactly is MDI? Follow the for things to know about this #globalchallenge. https://bit.ly/2TzAnIJ

Let’s get definitions out of the way first.

#Misinformation is false and often harmful information, which is not shared with malicious intent.

#Disinformation is false and malicious information, which is shared deliberately to cause harm. https://bit.ly/2TzAnIJ

Let’s get definitions out of the way first. #Misinformation is false and often harmful information, which is not shared with malicious intent. #Disinformation is false and malicious information, which is shared deliberately to cause harm. https://bit.ly/2TzAnIJ

We're all potential spreaders of #misinformation or #disinformation. But most of us share without knowing. That tends to be done by states looking to influence external events, political actors chasing power, conspiracy theorists & extreme groups: https://bit.ly/2TzAnIJ

MDI is not exactly a new problem. But the reason it’s such a big challenge now is because of the pace at which #digital #information ecosystems have evolved and the way in which they are being manipulated. https://bit.ly/2TzAnIJ

This new pace means #misinfomation and #disinformation (MDI) are reaching more and more people at an increasingly faster rate. MDI takes advantage of #socialmedia platforms designed to promote popular content that provokes strong emotions. https://bit.ly/2TzAnIJ

#Disinformation can also be driven by political actors wanting to control/shape narratives+influence outcomes. Recently @AtlanticCouncil reported that a company tried to influence #elections

and @Facebook removed 'inauthentic accounts' in

https://bit.ly/2TzAnIJ

#Disinformation can also be driven by political actors wanting to control/shape narratives+influence outcomes. Recently @AtlanticCouncil reported that a company tried to influence #elections in & and @Facebook removed 'inauthentic accounts' in & https://bit.ly/2TzAnIJ

The way #tech is designed also provides commercial incentives

to spread MDI. #Digital #advertising models are built around clicks through ads. A recent @CCDHate reports estimates the anti-vaxxer movement alone is worth $1 bi. a year to #BigTech. https://bit.ly/2TzAnIJ

The way #tech is designed also provides commercial incentives to spread MDI. #Digital #advertising models are built around clicks through ads. A recent @CCDHate reports estimates the anti-vaxxer movement alone is worth $1 bi. a year to #BigTech. https://bit.ly/2TzAnIJ

#Trust plays a critical role in #digital #information ecosystems and levels of it vary between different contexts. Understanding how individuals and institutions can gain or retain trust is critical to tackling the threat
posed by MDI. https://bit.ly/2TzAnIJ

MDI can cause real, offline harm. A recent study published in the @AJTMH estimated thousands of people were admitted to hospital around the world with hundreds dying as a *direct result* of false #information on #socialmedia. https://bit.ly/2TzAnIJ

Now to the big question: how do we tackle MDI?

It’s a complex problem to solve and will likely involve developing the right mix of interventions, including efforts to boost #digital #medialiteracy and new #policy frameworks. https://bit.ly/2TzAnIJ

Now to the big question: how do we tackle MDI? It’s a complex problem to solve and will likely involve developing the right mix of interventions, including efforts to boost #digital #medialiteracy and new #policy frameworks. https://bit.ly/2TzAnIJ

But we can all take responsibility to try to prevent the spread of MDI. The @UNESCO and @EU_Commission #ThinkBeforeSharing

is just one recent example of campaigns we can all support. There are more examples of initiatives + orgs in our briefing note: https://bit.ly/2TzAnIJ

But we can all take responsibility to try to prevent the spread of MDI. The @UNESCO and @EU_Commission #ThinkBeforeSharing is just one recent example of campaigns we can all support. There are more examples of initiatives + orgs in our briefing note: https://bit.ly/2TzAnIJ

You can follow @DigiSoc_ODI.

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