Author: alexa_kincaid

Reasons for False and Inaccurate Information Online

The internet is full of a lot of information for a wide variety of things. That being said, a lot of stuff one may encounter is not necessarily true. Not only are there misinformation and disinformation being presented as fact online by humans, but there are also scams and bots presenting incorrect information. The false information one can find on the internet is typically eye catching and surprising, for example ‘Clickbait Headlines.’ Because of the shocking information typically presented within these stories, they are spread throughout social media reaching an even wider audience than perhaps intended. This habitual sharing is further explained in USC Study on the Key Reason why Fake News Spreads.

Impact of AI on Misinformation and Disinformation Online

The Overall Impact

AI can generally be a helpful tool, but it can also have detrimental effects on the information we take in. One of the cons of AI is it’s ability to create stories that are entirely false, yet people still believe them. This article, Overblown Fears of AI’s Impact on Misinformation, explains how as AI is continually progressing, so is the quality, quantity, personalization, and plausibility of it’s abilities. Essentially, as AI is updated, we are setting ourselves up for an inevitable spread of misinformation. On the other hand, AI can also be used to detect and control this same misinformation. Overall, AI is a controversial issue as it has both positive and negative effects on the information one is exposed to.

My Interaction with Copilot

I chose the title ‘Truth in the Age of Clickbait: The Online Misinformation Epidemic,’ as it summarizes my post pretty well. I focused on the spread of misinformation through social media use and clickbait. I feel that this title gives a somewhat dramatic description of what I discuss. Despite everything I discussed, in terms of the spectrum of truth and accuracy, I think that this title could be considered a form of clickbait; it explains what is being stated, but in an exaggerated way to gain more attention.

You
Sent by you:
can you give me a title for a project that is about the way misinformation and disinformation is spread online
Copilot
Sent by Copilot:
Sure! Here are a few title suggestions for your project:

“Unmasking the Web: The Spread of Misinformation and Disinformation Online”
“Digital Deception: Understanding Online Misinformation and Disinformation”
“Echoes of Falsehood: The Dynamics of Online Misinformation”
“Web of Lies: Analyzing the Spread of Disinformation in the Digital Age”
“Truth in the Age of Clickbait: The Online Misinformation Epidemic”
Do any of these resonate with you, or would you like more options?

You
Sent by you:
the last one is perfect! thank you
Copilot
Sent by Copilot:
You’re welcome! I’m glad you liked it. If you need any more help with your project, feel free to ask. Good luck with “Truth in the Age of Clickbait: The Online Misinformation Epidemic”! 📚✨

Openness

WHY?

Openness of online resources allows for a collaboration of efforts. People from all over the world can offer insight or help fix mistakes and errors. It can also serve as a blueprint for others to create their own work. Overall, it allows for a connected virtual community of people to create and share work.

HOW?

One can achieve openness of their work through public posts. For example, posting public code, reviews, or even YouTube videos outlining how to fix or create something. Anyone with access to the internet can use this information to guide their decisions or build off of what the original creator has done. Here is an example of an instructional YouTube video on how to cut your own hair: Hairdressers Guide to Cutting Your Own Hair.

Accessibility

WHY?

Accessibility allows for the information to reach a wider audience, as it can now be appreciated even by those with disabilities. It is also commonly a legal requirement, so in order to prevent potential lawsuits, your work must be mostly accessible to all. Lastly, needless to say, it is morally the right thing to do.

HOW?

Accessibility of information comes in many forms, for example: including captions or a written account of what was described, alternative text for a photo, and using headers to organize the text. Nevertheless, it is not possible to ensure perfect accessibility, but we should ensure that it is accessible to the best of our ability.