We're immersed in a sea of information, misinformation, disinformation, and data, often struggling to discern one from the other.

We're immersed in a sea of information, misinformation, disinformation, and data, often struggling to discern one from the other.

I conducted an independent study and directed research to investigate and analyze disinformation strategies content creators use on social media platforms such as TikTok and Spotify.

My research includes not only verbal and logical methods but also the influence of music and video on the dissemination of problematic data. I analyzed TikTok videos and Spotify podcasts to explore the type of misinformation with further identification of manipulation techniques.

Misinformation by examples

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Misinformation by examples *

ATMOSPHERE OF THREAT: THE “GREAT RESET” CONSPIRACY THEORY AND CLIMATE CHANGE DENIAL

I explored how content creators on TikTok use tactics like ominous music, appeals to fear, and emotional language to induce fear and anxiety among viewers in the context of the "Great Reset" conspiracy theory and climate change denial. These findings provide valuable insights for developing interventions to counter disinformation and misinformation on digital platforms and to educate the public about the dangers of manipulation, ultimately promoting a more informed and discerning society in the face of online misinformation.

“I AM GOING TO TELL YOU HOW TO CURE CANCER”

I examined a TikTok video that falsely claims natural remedies can cure cancer while discrediting accepted medical treatments. This research exposes the spread of health misinformation on social media, emphasizing the importance of promoting accurate health information and media literacy to combat such deceptive content.

BLOOD DONATIONS CONNECT TO VACCINE AWARENESS

I analyzed a TikTok video that misrepresents the Red Cross regarding plasma donations and COVID-19 vaccinations. The video conveys a false message that vaccinated individuals cannot donate blood due to the vaccine erasing their natural antibodies. My analysis reveals tactics such as faulty generalizations, arguments from silence, and manipulation of context, emphasizing the importance of critical thinking and accurate information dissemination in the context of vaccine awareness and blood donations.

CONTINUOUS SOCIAL ANXIETY: INFODEMIC OF WATER

I investigated a TikTok video falsely claiming a polio outbreak in New York City's tap water. The video capitalizes on people's anxieties related to the pandemic and the spread of diseases, creating a sense of fear and alarm by misrepresenting information. My analysis uncovers the utilization of strategies like faulty generalizations, arguments from personal incredulity, and references to research out of context to promote misinformation, emphasizing the critical need for accurate information and media literacy in the face of such infodemics.

DENIAL OF GERMS: SOMETHING IS HIDDEN

I explored the propagation of alternative theories about the origins of diseases, particularly within the context of COVID-19. The episode presents a guest who refutes established scientific knowledge related to germs and viruses, asserting that 5G waves are the primary health threat. I highlighted the amplification of conspiracy theories through social media and the role of podcasting in creating an immersive environment for such misinformation, underscoring the importance of critical thinking and media literacy to combat the spread of false information.

I also worked on a subsection on interventions to resist disinformation by analyzing specific techniques. Each chapter is devoted to particular methods, identifying their general purpose and the advantages and disadvantages of each method. Each chapter presents examples of the use of such techniques.

Fact-checking is evaluating information presented as factual to determine its truth and accuracy, relying on established criteria and authoritative sources. Verification, on the other hand, involves confirming facts by examining the time, place, and context of an event or information, often using evidence from eyewitnesses or digital data, helping to ensure the accuracy of claims and narratives.

Bot detection involves understanding what bots are, their role in spreading misinformation, and the various strategies to identify and detect them. This knowledge is crucial as bots often mimic human behavior and contribute to disseminating false information, making their detection and mitigation a vital component of online content moderation and misinformation combat strategies.

Content moderation involves overseeing and enforcing platform policies on user-generated content, involving human and technical interventions. It plays a crucial role in ensuring compliance and eliminating inappropriate content, thereby influencing the quality and safety of online platforms. However, it also raises concerns about freedom of speech, subjectivity, and potential algorithmic biases that must be addressed in the content moderation process.

Inoculation theory is rooted in psychological vaccination against misinformation, which involves exposing individuals to weakened doses of persuasive information to build resistance. It has been shown effective in reducing susceptibility to misinformation, primarily by explaining manipulation techniques in advance, and various formats like games and videos have been used to implement this theory.

Information literacy is essential for discerning between reliable and unreliable information. It cultivates critical thinking and lateral reading skills to combat misinformation effectively, reducing the spread of false information and increasing the capacity to be informed and responsible digital citizens.