Navigating the cognitive challenges of distinguishing fact from fiction in today's information landscape

Research output: Other contribution

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Abstract

Cognitive flaws like confirmation bias and cognitive inertia have made it harder to tell fact from fiction in an era of digitalization and information multiplication. Emotional reasoning and the design of digital platforms, which create echo chambers and hasten the dissemination of false information, amplify these psychological inclinations, rooted in evolutionary survival processes (Lewandowsky et al., 2017; Törnberg & Andersson, 2021). Misinformation impacts polarization, trust, and political and economic stability, as it exploits these cognitive biases and thrives within the architecture of modern digital ecosystems (McDougall et al., 2018; Aral, 2021). This essay examines these effects from cognitive, technological, and social standpoints, assessing current approaches such as educational initiatives, legal frameworks, and technological advancements. However, significant gaps remain, including the need for cross-cultural and longitudinal studies to better understand the persistence and variation of misinformation across diverse contexts (Rasi et al., 2021; Frau-Meigs & Corbu, 2024). By addressing these issues from a multidisciplinary perspective, this work offers strategies to mitigate the negative effects of disinformation and promote an informed populace.
Original languageEnglish
TypeArgumentative Writing Practice Paper
Media of outputPaper
Number of pages24
Publication statusUnpublished - 5 Jan 2025

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