Angel Haslam, ah434@uakron.edu
As information becomes easier to find, misinformation has also become more prevalent, especially during voting seasons. In the lead-up to the recent election, people were bombarded with a mix of confusing and often false information, which significantly impacted public trust and voting habits. Even though major platforms tried to limit the spread of misinformation, it still managed to slip through, causing uncertainty about voting procedures, security, and results.
Social media was a major contributor to the spread of misinformation. While these platforms are praised for making information available, they also foster an environment where unverified claims can spread quickly. The Washington Post reported that social media posts featuring sensational claims like incorrect voting dates or allegations of fraudulent voting systems often went viral without being fact-checked. Although companies like Facebook and X (formerly Twitter) implemented policies to flag or remove false information, much of it was shared before it could be addressed, reaching millions of users.
Partisan media outlets on both sides of the political spectrum also contributed to the problem. These networks often presented information in ways that resonated with specific audiences, which sometimes resulted in distorted representations of isolated incidents as if they were widespread issues. For example, minor voting irregularities that could have been handled locally were sometimes portrayed by certain media outlets as if they indicated major problems, according to Pew Research Center (2024). This kind of framing can lead to what psychologists call “confirmation bias,” where viewers are more likely to accept information that supports their political beliefs, further polarizing the public. In response to this issue, the number of fact-checking efforts has significantly increased, with many news organizations creating teams focused on verifying claims related to the election.
Comments