Author: meaghanvandyke0718

Misinformation and Disinformation

In the modern age, it can often be hard to tell which content is truthful and which content may be spreading misinformation or disinformation. Disinformation, or information intentionally made to appear deceiving, may be spread to drive engagement on websites for organizations that profit from clicks and views. Disinformation may also be spread to promote scams and other harmful traps set for users. Misinformation, or unintentionally false information, often spreads on social media sites as a result of the inability to fact-check the overwhelming influx of information posted on the internet. Misinformation can also spread as a result of exaggerations in advertising. For more information on how to identify if something may be misinformation, read or listen to this npr piece on how to identify and correct misinformation.

Impact

AI, Misinformation, and Disinformation Impacts

Spreading misinformation on the internet is more common than you may believe. Often, misinformation can lead to misunderstandings of the point of advertisements, social media posts, etc. Spreading disinformation, however, may lead to more harmful effects on others, as it is often designed to instill confusion, fear, anger, and other negative and possibly inciting emotions in others. AI generated content may have also been created using false information or without the consent of the creator, which may violate the privacy of some individuals or lead to an incorrect assumption or understanding of certain concepts or products.

AI Use Example

Me: Give me a title for an article about ai, misinformation, and disinformation and its effects

CoPilot: How about this for a title: “The Double-Edged Sword: AI’s Role in Amplifying and Combating Misinformation and Disinformation”?

This title captures the dual nature of AI in both spreading and fighting false information, highlighting its significant impact on society123. What do you think?


You
Sent by you:
Hmm, can you suggest another title?
Copilot
Sent by Copilot:
Sure! How about this one: “Navigating the AI Landscape: The Battle Against Misinformation and Disinformation”?

This title emphasizes the ongoing struggle to manage the spread of false information in the age of AI. Does this resonate with you?

Using Microsoft CoPilot, I chose this title for the article because it captured the subject matter of the article, while still grabbing the attention of the reader. Since the title references the subject matter directly, it is more towards the truthful end of the spectrum.

Accessibility

Why?

Accessibility ensures that as many people as possible can use your website, regardless of ability. Accessibility not only improves the usability of a website for those who may have a disability but can also improve the website’s experience for the population as a whole. This phenomenon is referred to as the curb-cut effect and can make the website easier to navigate for everyone. Therefore, making a website accessible is not only the right thing to do, but can also make the website easier and more efficient for all users.

How?

There are many ways to make a website accessible for everyone. For example, web designers may utilize features such as accessible headings, alternative text on images, and descriptive link texts. Web designers may also choose to change the font color or size on a website or provide a written transcript of any videos embedded into the website. For more information on how to make a website more accessible, visit the Criterion Web Compliance Page.

Openness

Why?

Since the introduction of the web in the 90s, one of its most attractive features is the ability for anyone to publish anything without the barriers of traditional publishing. As a result, people have been able to connect with one another across the globe to collaborate on projects, inspire one another, and offer advice on how to fix various problems.

How?

Openness on the internet is a spectrum. Web designers choose to make their underlying code open and available, but charge for the final product. Other companies may choose to make their content open and available but require a license. The degree of openness may also rely on the final product being advertised.