Combating Misinformation with Nudges and Incentives

SOURCE npr.org
AI deepfakes played a role in Slovakian election misinformation, leading to a pro-Kremlin populist victory. Economists conducted a study in Colombia to combat misinformation with videos and personality tests. Results showed videos increased skepticism, while personality tests had little effect. Combating misinformation requires critical thinking and recognizing commonalities.

Key Points

  • AI deepfakes influenced Slovakian election with fake audio clips
  • Economists conducted a study in Colombia to combat misinformation with videos and personality tests
  • Videos increased skepticism towards misinformation, while personality tests had little effect
  • Encouraging critical thinking and reducing tribalism can help combat misinformation

Pros

  • Videos showing people overcoming differences increased skepticism towards misinformation
  • Encouraging critical thinking and reducing tribalism can help combat misinformation

Cons

  • Personality tests had little to no effect on participants' propensity to believe or reject fake news
  • Overly skeptical participants became less likely to view true headlines as reliable