Disinformation: Does It Threaten Democracy?

Disinformation has been around for centuries so why now has it become a greater concern? The subject of disinformation has become a partisan, politicized issue, which is especially worrisome as half of the world’s population will go to the polls this year The need for trusted information has never been more critical.

Joining Host Jim Falk to discuss this issue and what needs to be done to protect ourselves and our democracy are:

University of Texas at Austin associate professor of instruction Michael Mosser. In addition to his teaching courses on European and international security, Dr. Mosser is the Executive Director of the Global Disinformation Lab.

And Lee McIntyre, a Research Fellow at the Center for Philosophy and History of Science at Boston University, and a Senior Advisor for Public Trust in Science at the Aspen Institute. He is the author of ON DISINFORMATION: HOW TO FIGHT FOR TRUTH AND PROTECT DEMOCRACY.

Mr. McIntyre says, “It is crucial to distinguish between ordinary misconceptions and targeted manipulation—between misinformation and disinformation…. We have to stop thinking of our current epistemic crisis as if it were some sort of accident or natural disaster. It is a coordinated campaign … whose goal is to spread disinformation out to the masses, in order to foment doubt, division, and distrust. And create an army of deniers.”

Misinformation is false or inaccurate information—getting the facts wrong. Disinformation is false information deliberately intended to mislead—intentionally misstating the facts.

There are ways to protect ourselves, beginning with a greater awareness that we are all targets of those who wish to influence our decisions, thoughts, and actions; and do us harm. As disinformation becomes more effective and widespread, perhaps “Vigilance” is the watchword to remember.

Who are the enemies of truth and how do they use disinformation to weaken our society, our democracy, and trust?

Join us to learn from two of the country’s key experts on this growing security concern.

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