Disinformation thrives in uncertainty, and understanding its spread is crucial for effective response strategies
In an interview by John Domen, WTOP, he and Cody Buntain, assistant professor at the University of Maryland’s College of Information (INFO), explores how disinformation has become a constant on social media, spreading especially during crises like the recent hurricanes.
Domen says, “Part of the story of the recovery from Hurricanes Helene and Milton has been the fake news stories and disinformation spread throughout social media. It’s becoming a common hazard of politics and nearly every election season, too.”
Buntian shares that in emotionally charged situations, people become vulnerable to misinformation as they seek answers. He explains that while social media amplifies emotional reactions, truthfulness can often take a back seat.
To counter disinformation effectively, Buntain advises addressing the emotional triggers that lead people to share misleading content. Explore more of Buntain’s thoughts and strategies to combat misinformation in the full interview.
The original article was written by John Domen and published by WTOP on October 12, 2024.