New 2-minute test launched; developed using ChatGPT technology and validated by expert panel and series of experiments involving thousands of participants. YouGov used the test in US polling, and found Americans know real from fake headlines two-thirds of the time, but worst performers are under-30s who spend most time online.
Researchers argue that the findings hold lessons for social media companies and the “perverse incentives” driving political polarisation online.
Researchers from the University of Cambridge have analysed more than 800,000 tweets and found that negative emotions expressed about geoengineering – the idea that the climate can be altered using technology – can easily fall into conspiracy.
In an edited extract from his new book ‘Foolproof: Why We Fall for Misinformation and How to Build Immunity’, Prof Sander van der Linden takes us through his work to “inoculate” people against falling for fake news.
Briefly exposing social media users to tricks behind misinformation boosts awareness of dangerous online falsehoods – even amid intense ‘noise’ of world’s second-most visited website.
A study of the propaganda that flooded Donbas for years reveals a failure to build pro-Russian 'in-group' identities in the region, despite Putin’s claims of support.
Latest research on digital interventions deployed by UK government and UNESCO suggests that exposing people to a “microdose” of techniques used by misinformation merchants helps “inoculate” them against fake news about the pandemic.
Social media giant turns to behaviour and communication expert Dr Sander van der Linden to help them tackle the dangerous anti-science myths that circulate online.
A short online game in which players are recruited as a 'Chief Disinformation Officer' and use tactics such as trolling to sabotage elections in a peaceful town has been shown to reduce susceptibility to political misinformation in its users.
An international study finds that people who rate coronavirus conspiracy theories as more reliable are much less likely to say they will get vaccinated.
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