EWW LIARS: When Your Entire Master’s Research is About Identifying Misinformation
Ever feel like you’re swimming in a sea of lies, both online and in real life? Well, welcome to my world! My master’s research focuses on spotting those deceptive practices that flood the digital age. And what I’ve learned might also help you in your everyday life. Sometimes, I think the biggest threat won’t come from technology itself, but from the people using lies to manipulate us. The more I dive into the mechanics of misinformation, the more I see how prevalent deception is, whether it’s in social media posts or face-to-face conversations.
In this world drowning in lies, my research on identifying digital deception feels more urgent than ever. Watching Bill Gates in his Netflix episode “Truth or Consequences,” where he talks about the conspiracy theories surrounding him, I couldn’t help but think,
“Wow, this is exactly what I’m studying!”
From conspiracy theories about lizard people to the false idea of microchips in vaccines, Gates’ experience shows just how quickly misinformation spreads. My research focuses on how truth gets twisted, using techniques of manipulation. When experts explain how social media fuels the spread of wild ideas, it becomes clear: my work, with the guidance of my supervisor, Dr. Stacey Scott from the School of Computer Science at the University of Guelph, has the potential to make a real difference.
A Note on “Liars” in This Context
It’s important to clarify how I’m using the term “liars” in the context of my research. Misinformation and disinformation themselves are not “liars” in the traditional sense. Misinformation refers to false information that spreads without the intention to deceive — those who share it may truly believe it’s accurate. Disinformation, on the other hand, is intentionally deceptive and crafted to mislead people. When I refer to “liars,” I’m talking about the individuals or groups who deliberately spread disinformation for personal or political gain. These are the people using manipulation tactics to distort the truth and confuse the public.
That said, the broader context of my research looks at how both misinformation and disinformation can erode trust, and how even unintentional falsehoods contribute to the problem. The tools I’m developing aim to spot deceptive patterns and prevent them from spreading — whether they stem from intentional lies or honest mistakes.
The Dangers of Misinformation
Consider the Pizzagate incident in 2016, where a man, misled by fake news, entered a pizzeria with a rifle, believing in a conspiracy that didn’t exist. This shows how dangerous misinformation can be, as online lies can lead to real-world violence. It’s not just fringe conspiracy theories at play here — from celebrities like Lady Gaga dealing with malicious rumors to doctors fighting against false health information, misinformation can affect all aspects of life.
Traditional fact-checking methods aren’t enough in this age of digital deception. Some experts argue that the focus should shift to understanding how lies spread, not just the lies themselves. This perspective has been instrumental in shaping my research, which aims to leverage AI to better recognize and track misinformation.
Why Do People Believe Falsehoods?
People often fall for lies because they’re emotionally charged. As Bill Gates noted, facts alone aren’t always enough — people are drawn to narratives that resonate emotionally, even if they’re false. Cognitive biases make it easy for misinformation to take hold. Studies show that 65% of Americans feel overwhelmed by fake news, and 83% of Europeans encounter it regularly. The problem is that even the most rational among us can be fooled by misinformation, and once a lie takes root, it’s hard to dislodge.
On platforms like Facebook and Twitter (now X), misinformation spreads like a virus because these platforms reward engagement over truth. As a result, outlandish claims get more visibility than verified facts. Disinformation expert Renee DiResta compares the spread of misinformation to a murmuration of starlings — small ripples in one area can quickly spread and reinforce viral trends.
How My Research Tackles Digital Deception
My research digs into advanced technology like Large Language Models (LLMs) to detect manipulation techniques, particularly in the context of election misinformation. The goal is to provide tools that fact-checkers, platforms, and users can use to identify lies as they emerge. In today’s landscape, distinguishing fact from fiction is tough, and misinformation can influence everything from elections to public health. My work aims to make the internet a more trustworthy place by developing systems to spot deception in real-time.
As we head into another election season, it’s more important than ever to stay informed and critical of the information we consume. With the right tools, we can protect the integrity of our democracy and make the internet a more trustworthy place.
What You Can Do to Combat Misinformation
Misinformation doesn’t just lead to misleading headlines — it erodes trust in institutions and can even destabilize democracy itself. Take the events of the Capitol attack, for example, false narratives can unravel the very fabric of society.
Here’s how you can protect yourself from falling for falsehoods:
- Who is the source? Is the information from a credible source or just a random social media post? Always question the source.
- What’s the emotional appeal? Is the content designed to provoke fear or anger? Misinformation often plays on strong emotions to bypass critical thinking.
- Is there evidence? Does the claim come with verifiable facts, or is it hearsay? Look for solid proof before accepting something as true.
- Can I verify this elsewhere? Cross-check the information. If it’s true, reliable sources will confirm it.
Fact-checking takes time, but tools like FactCheck.org can help. While full automation isn’t available yet, I’m working on research to help bridge that gap, aiming for systems that can flag misinformation before it spreads.
Misinformation vs. Disinformation: What’s the Difference?
Misinformation refers to false information spread without the intent to deceive — people sharing it may believe it to be true. Disinformation, on the other hand, is false information deliberately created and spread to mislead. Both forms are harmful, but disinformation involves active manipulation.
Interestingly, misinformation and disinformation can also be used by those trying to avoid accountability — this is known as the “liar’s dividend.” Public figures, for instance, may dismiss factual information about their actions as “fake news,” sowing doubt and evading responsibility.
Final Thoughts
As I continue my research, I’ll share more insights on how we can better fight misinformation. My goal is to develop a system that detects manipulation techniques in real time, contributing to a more honest and trustworthy digital world. Whether it’s protecting election integrity or combating harmful rumors, the work ahead is critical.
Stay tuned for updates, and if you want to know more about my research or have questions about misinformation, feel free to reach out. Together, we can make the internet a little more honest.
— Keerthana Madhavan
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