Our Symposium on Misinformation Just Got a Lot More Scary
The world of disinformation is a pretty dark place.
I knew as much before I started working with Joan Donovan, Media Manipulation Research Lead at Data & Society, on our upcoming symposium. But hearing about the research that’s happening around propaganda and disinformation at D&S makes me feel like I’m hearing a really frightening horror story.
Maybe that’s because it is one.
These issues hit libraries right where they live, and it’s imperative to open a dialogue around what it means to live in the “post-truth” era. How can we get a grasp on these pervasive issues? What can be done to help library users find the truth in what they’re reading and hearing in the media these days?
To help us get there, Data & Society’s Media Manipulation Team will host breakout sessions to conclude our day-long interrogation of misinformation at METRO on Friday, June 1. Topics include and are not limited to:
- The history of propaganda
- The role of libraries in combatting disinformation
- Archiving online culture / cataloging memes
- Metadata as information pathways for disinformation
Presenter/moderators include:
- Amelia Acker
- Joan Donovan
- Caroline Jack
- Shana Kimball
Additional themes and speakers will be announced as June 1 draws near.
Our next symposium, (Mis)informed: Propaganda, Disinformation, Misinformation, and Our Culture takes place at METRO Library Council from 10:00 a.m. — 5:30 p.m. on Friday, June 1. Register for the symposium here; we’re looking forward to seeing you! Fees are $50 for METRO members and $100 for non-members and $25 for access to web streaming.
A Propaganda Party hosted by Interference Archive directly follows this event from 5:30 p.m. until 7:30 p.m. If you’re able to only attend the Propaganda Party, RSVP here. We’re asking for a $10 cover charge to benefit Interference Archive.
