Resources for the average American voter to be better informed and help fight their own fight against fake news.
During the 2016 Presidential election, finding a story online about one or both of the candidates didn’t take much effort. Wading through clutter and lies to find accurate reporting proved much more difficult however. In fact, many political scientists and researchers have nicknamed the 2016 election the “Fake News Election.” The idea that millions of fictitious stories persuaded and influenced American voters’ perceptions and decision-making processes in 2016 diminishes my hopes that democracy prevailed. With a new election season fast upon us, it is important that voters learn from past behavior and take time to verify what they read online when considering which candidate to endorse.
Where do Americans go for information? According to a 2019 research study, approximately 55 percent of American adults get their news via social media with 52 percent of adults citing Facebook specifically as the main source of their news. The following resources are organized and meant to help educate readers on social media’s role in politics, the effects of fake news and how we can arm ourselves with information this election season. These resources also serve as the cited sources for the three pieces I’ve published on this topic.
Seriously, how many people actually use social media?
· Witness the reach of Facebook worldwide to gain insight how numbers can equal power. “Number of monthly active Facebook users worldwide as of 4th quarter 2019.” (J. Clement, 1/30/2020).
https://www.statista.com/statistics/264810/number-of-monthly-active-facebook-users-worldwide/
· First came Facebook, then came Twitter. For the first time Twitter revealed its daily active users, giving readers an idea of its reach and perhaps its power. “Twitter reveals its daily active users for the first time.” (Hamza Shaban, Washington Post, 2/7/19). https://www.washingtonpost.com/technology/2019/02/07/twitter-reveals-its-daily-active-user-numbers-first-time/
· We no longer get all of our news from the big networks. “More Americans are getting their news from social media” (Peter Suciu, Forbes 10/11/19). A Pew Research study conducted in 2019 focused on how adults are using social media for more than just keeping in touch with each other. We need to be aware of the role social media plays in during an election year. https://www.forbes.com/sites/petersuciu/2019/10/11/more-americans-are-getting-their-news-from-social-media/#51fe02373e17
· What is it about Facebook that makes it the perfect stage for fake news? If it’s posted it must be true, right? Buchanan helps us get better at identifying fake news on the biggest social media platform. “Why fake news spreads like wild fire on Facebook “(Mark Buchanan, Chicago Tribune 9/30/17) https://www.chicagotribune.com/opinion/commentary/ct-perspec-fake-news-google-facebook-0904-story.html
Witness the effect of the fake news phenomenon on real people.
· “The Great Hack” (Netflix Original Documentary, 2019, Produced by Nina Fialkow, Lyn Davis Lear, Regina K. Scully, Marni Grossman, Sarah Johnson, Lynda Weinman, and Mike Lerner) Associate professor David Carroll of the Parson’s School found out his personal data had been obtained without his approval, he wanted it back. His legal quest uncovered one of the biggest online scandals involving Facebook and politics. What followed was an investigation into Cambridge Analytica’s datamining and questionable use data obtained from Facebook to target voters in swing states during the 2016 Presidential Election. https://www.thegreathack.com
· “After Truth: Disinformation and the Cost of Fake News” (HBO Documentary 2020, directed by Andrew Rossi and produced by Brian Stelter). Investigate the ongoing phenomenon of “fake news” in the U.S. Rossi shines a light on real-life consequences of disinformation, conspiracy theories and false news stories. https://www.nytimes.com/2020/03/18/arts/television/review-after-truth.html
Marketers know what you’re doing online. They will use your activity for the win.
· A Harvard Business School study explains targeted advertising, and why it works. “Online Ad Targeting Does Work — As Long As It’s Not Creepy” (Louise Matsakis, Wired 5/11/18) https://www.wired.com/story/online-ad-targeting-does-work-as-long-as-its-not-creepy/
· Perhaps seeing shoe ads on every website you visit isn’t a big deal, but there’s more to it than a size 8 espadrille. These ads turn the internet into a surveillance nightmare. “Targeted ads are one of the world’s most destructive trends. Here’s Why” (Arwa Mahdawi, The Guardian, 11/5/19). https://www.theguardian.com/world/2019/nov/05/targeted-ads-fake-news-clickbait-surveillance-capitalism-data-mining-democracy
· They spent how much? Given what we now know about the 2016 election, we can see why big spending on digital ads could be a problem. “Donald Trump and Hillary Clinton spent $81 million on Facebook ads before last year’s election” (Kurt Wagner, Vox, 11/1/17). https://www.vox.com/2017/11/1/16593066/trump-clinton-facebook-advertising-money-election-president-russia
· “Trump’s Digital campaign for 2020 is already soaring” (Frederic Filloux, Monday Note, 6/2/19). What can we as voters expect from the candidates this summer, and why should we care? https://mondaynote.com/trumps-digital-campaign-for-2020-is-already-soaring-d0075bee8e89
· Google is a behemoth when it comes to searching online. We use Google on our phones, tablets, and laptops. Campaigns and marketers know how to use Google to their advantage and the voter’s disadvantage. “Notorious Google Bombs” (Nicholas Jackson, The Atlantic 2/25/11). Get smart now before November 3. https://www.theatlantic.com/technology/archive/2011/02/10-notorious-google-bombs/71731/
Who is to blame for all the made up stories? We need to blame someone.
· Surely, people are smart enough to know the difference, right? Unfortunately the answer to that question is no. This is quick dive into the Cambridge Analytica scandal paints a clear picture of what is possible when you add technology and a “win at all costs” attitude. “The Cambridge Analytica scandal, in three paragraphs, what it means for Facebook, for President Trump’s world, and for every American.” (Robinson Myer, The Atlantic, 3/20/18) https://www.theatlantic.com/technology/archive/2018/03/the-cambridge-analytica-scandal-in-three-paragraphs/556046/
· The media only covers what sells. We don’t need to believe what we read. According to a Pew Research study, Americans blame both politicians and the press for the rise in fake news. However, we need journalists to help with the problem. “Americans Think ‘Fake News’ Is Big Problem, Blame Politician — A majority also believe journalists have the responsibility for fixing it.” (Associated Press, 6/5/19). https://www.snopes.com/ap/2019/06/05/americans-think-fake-news-is-big-problem-blame-politicians/
Want a quick way to see if the President’s latest tweet is fact or fiction?
· The following websites provide sources for users to check facts they read about online.
https://www.snopes.com/?s=fake+news
Don’t be another David Carroll; what you can do to protect yourself online.
· Pick up where “The Great Hack” left off. Take a deeper dive into the Cambridge Analytica to fully understand why protecting your data online is necessary. “Facebook and Cambridge Analytica: What You Need to Know as Fallout Widens.” (Kevin Granville, New York Times, 3/19/29). https://www.nytimes.com/2018/03/19/technology/facebook-cambridge-analytica-explained.html
· “Facebook Privacy Settings: 18 changes you should make right away” (Chris Smith, 3/22/19). If you haven’t already made these changes, stop what you are doing and make them now. https://www.trustedreviews.com/news/facebook-privacy-settings-2939307
· What are commonly used tricks and tips to make sure my family’s online activity and personal data don’t end up in the wrong hands. Business consultant, Kim Beasley, gets untechnical and focuses on how the average person can keep himself out of the scope of targeted ads. https://kimbeasley.com/2018/04/protect-your-data-social-media/
· Want to help uncover fake news stories this election season? ProPublica has a simple tool (https://bit.ly/2yT3aka) that helps Facebook users identify and collect political ads displayed in their news feeds. Using a custom-built algorithm in several countries, the “Political Ad Collector” helps ProPublica identify and research targeted political ads, some of which help the newsroom uncover fake news stories. The tool is updated hourly. https://projects.propublica.org/facebook-ads/?search=Fake+news
· How to keep your personal information secure. This Federal Trade Commission’s site provides resources for consumers to keep data safe online. In the wake of the Cambridge Analytica scandal, this became even more important.
https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/articles/0272-how-keep-your-personal-information-secure
When it’s raining, you’re online and you have nothing else to do.
· Someone had some extra time and thought it would be interesting to see what our 45th President actually tweets about. http://www.trumptwitterarchive.com
· “The (almost) complete history on Fake News” (Mike Wendling, BBC News, 1/22/18) This lengthy, chronological piece explains how the fake news trend exploded. https://www.bbc.com/news/blogs-trending-42724320
