Insights and Strategies to Tackle Election Disinformation
Electoral disinformation has become a pivotal threat to the integrity of democratic processes worldwide, raising concerns among people globally about the impact of online falsehoods, particularly on elections. In a recent ICFJ Disarming Disinformation: Investigative master class, Claire Wardle, co-founder of the Information Futures Lab at Brown University, shared vital advice on combatting electoral disinformation, focusing on forthcoming major elections in countries such as the U.S., Mexico, and India.
Wardle urged vigilance, emphasizing that adapting to the ever-evolving landscape of disinformation demands collective efforts, continual learning, and knowledge sharing among communities.
Wardle suggested the following:
Understand the Different Categories of False Content: Distinguishing between misinformation, malinformation, and disinformation is crucial. Misinformation, often inadvertently shared, poses the most significant challenge. Malinformation involves sharing accurate content with malicious intent. Disinformation, deliberately false, aims to sow chaos and deepen societal divisions.
Recognize Disinformation’s Global Impact: Disinformation transcends borders, influencing distrust in voting systems across nations. Instances like Russian media's interference in the 2016 U.S. election underscore the global reach and impact of disinformation, exacerbated by diaspora communities inadvertently amplifying misinformation.
Analyze Disinformation Narratives: Wardle highlighted the repetitive narratives fueling disinformation, emphasizing the need to analyze overarching themes over individual instances. Misleading claims, often intertwined with conspiracy theories, reinforce existing worldviews and exacerbate societal divisions. “Be aware that you are going to be impacted by narratives that are circulating in other countries because people are reading or having translated materials from other countries,” she said.
Identify Disinformation Agents: Agents of disinformation exploit societal divisions, often engaging dark PR agencies or operating from abroad for monetary gain. Recognizing "true believers," trolls, and mixed-information strategies used by political campaigns helps comprehend the cumulative impact of disinformation over time.
Recognize Bot Activity and Offline Dissemination: While platforms curb bots, journalists must evaluate content's intent rather than focusing solely on its source. Disinformation extends beyond online platforms, permeating offline mediums like pamphlets and speeches, necessitating a holistic approach in addressing these challenges.
Wardle's insights offer a comprehensive understanding of the multifaceted nature of electoral disinformation, emphasizing the urgency for collective action, critical analysis, and adaptive strategies in safeguarding democratic processes against the threats posed by falsehoods.
