As Nov. 8 approaches, experts are concerned about the effect misinformation will have on the electorate — and are warning voters to be prepared for false information to spread in ways they might not be used to.
Many of the most-used social-media networks, including Facebook and Twitter, have taken steps in recent years to label and moderate false information. But experts say those companies could be doing more, and are worried about apps like TikTok and WhatsApp that have exploded in popularity since the last election.
“We certainly know elections can, and have been, and will be again decided by a handful of votes, so anything that affects voters has the potential to change the outcome,” said Jesse Littlewood, vice president of campaigns at Common Cause, an advocacy organization whose efforts include fighting mis- and disinformation.
“That would include voter myths or disinformation which could either cause the voter to miss the chance to participate because they believed incorrect information, or cause them to not participate at all because they don’t believe in the integrity of the election process,” Littlewood said.
Here is what four people who study or research social media and misinformation said voters should be aware of this election cycle:
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