Political Advertising, Persuasion, and False News

Information pollution (i.e., misinformation, disinformation, and malinformation) has become a global threat to democracies and the ability to govern as well as the well-being of individuals. Legacy media organizations have historically been the primary source of news and information about important topics that affect citizens’ lives. In the U.S. people no longer have a shared sense of truth because information pollution has led to mistrust of journalists, journalism, and major institutions. Social media and political advertising play a role in the spread of information pollution. Media effects theories help explain how people can be susceptible to information pollution. While information communications technology (ICT) has exacerbated the proliferation of information pollution, evidence has shown that technology can play a prominent role in designing interventions, including inoculating individuals against its effects.