NSF Convergence Accelerator Track F: A Disinformation Range to Improve User Awareness and Resilience to Online Disinformation

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The unprecedented spread of disinformation, false information intentionally created to manipulate public opinions, is the flip-side of the Internet’s promise of universal access and information democratization. The presence of false and/or misleading information in the media ecosystem erodes trust in legitimate sources of information and poses a significant threat to society. We posit that enhancing user awareness and building resilience are the keys to combating disinformation, as ‘inoculated’ users can form the first line of defense against the spread of corrupted and misleading information. The overarching goal of our Disinformation Range (DRange) project is the development of a research/educational platform with integrated digital tools, advanced pedagogical techniques, and timely materials to increase disinformation awareness and improve user resilience, so as to inoculate them against the impact of harmful disinformation, and further prevent its spread. DRange will facilitate the pursuit of high impact goals in three overarching categories: 1) developing flexible technologies and culturally responsive group learning activities to facilitate communal examination and discussion of false and misleading information and inauthentic online behaviors in safe and familiar settings; 2) conducting transdisciplinary research to advance our understanding of the impact of dis/misinformation; and 3) identifying and implementing preventive (‘immunization’) strategies and mitigation practices. DRange is envisioned as a comprehensive learning process that interweaves facilitated discussions, collaborative games, and group activities, supported by a flexible and adaptable technical platform that uses simulated (or de-toxed) disinformation to both encourage critical conversations about online risks and vulnerabilities, and cultivate user resilience. DRange will be designed, developed and structured in collaboration with community partners to foster group interactions in diverse settings (e.g., classrooms, after school activities, public libraries, summer camps, senior and community centers, etc.).This award reflects NSF's statutory mission and has been deemed worthy of support through evaluation using the Foundation's intellectual merit and broader impacts review criteria.