Misinformation and the Election
Have you ever seen a social media video of a political candidate saying something too outrageous to be true? Or you may have seen some suspicious news circulating TikTok. With the 2024 elections looming around the corner, you must steer clear of misinformation.
What is MIS/DISinformation?
Electoral misinformation is incorrect or misleading information about the election that spreads accidentally. While it is not initially intended to deceive voters, it is still a prominent danger to be aware of. Disinformation, on the other hand, is false information being spread to persuade voters in a damaging way. With social media more active than ever before, it is crucial to be aware of the truthfulness of the content you consume.
Social Media & AI
Major social media platforms such as Twitter have been actively cutting back on issues regarding false light claims. Teams responsible for digital integrity were deconstructed due to layoffs beginning in 2022. This means that there is an abundance of false information floating around on social media – and it is not a reliable source.
“Deepfakes”, in particular, have been a major issue regarding the election. This typically refers to a video altered or generated by AI to change voters’ minds about a political candidate. If you have a suspicion that something might be a deepfake, you might spot some inconsistencies such as:
• Jump cuts in an edited video
• Odd-looking lighting
• Reactions seem not to match the subject’s tone
• Differences in skin tone and juxtaposition of facial features
• Accessories like glasses have a strange look
Microsoft recommends reporting any deepfakes of political candidates on social media right away. Many platforms now offer an AI detection feature that can be added to posts for clarification.
Tackling the Truth
If you find yourself wondering whether or not something you see is really true, you can simply go to a fact-checking website. Reliable sources for election material include Snopes, FactCheck.org, and PolitiFact. Your vote matters, so don’t fall for misinformation this election. Stay alert and use critical thinking skills to stay educated and make an informed decision.