As the 2020 US presidential election looms closer, three experts on social media and disinformation have shared their predictions for what promises to be a chaotic and divisive race.
First up is Nina Jankowicz, a disinformation expert and author of the book “How to Lose the Information War.” Jankowicz predicts that we will see an increase in foreign interference, particularly from Russia, in an effort to sow discord and undermine the legitimacy of the election. She also warns that domestic actors, such as political campaigns and interest groups, will continue to spread misinformation to manipulate voter opinions.
Next, Emerson Brooking, a resident senior fellow at the Atlantic Council’s Digital Forensic Research Lab, believes that deepfake technology will play a significant role in this year’s election. Brooking explains that deepfakes, which are manipulated videos that appear authentic, can be used to spread false information and influence voter perceptions. He also warns that social media platforms will struggle to effectively combat the spread of deepfakes.
Lastly, Renee DiResta, the technical research manager at the Stanford Internet Observatory, predicts an increase in coordinated disinformation campaigns targeting specific demographic groups. DiResta points to the use of microtargeting and personalized messaging on social media platforms as tactics that will be employed to sway undecided voters and suppress voter turnout.
Overall, these experts agree that the 2020 election will be fraught with disinformation and manipulation tactics designed to undermine the integrity of the democratic process. As voters navigate through a sea of misinformation, it is crucial to critically evaluate the content they consume and seek out reliable sources of information. The fight against disinformation is a collective effort that requires vigilance and awareness to ensure a fair and transparent electoral process.
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