Work

Misinformation and Its Impact on Contested Policy Issues: The Example of Migration Discourses

Year: 2023

Type: article

Abstract: Misinformation, in the form of false or inaccurate information deliberately created and spread through various channels, including social media, has become pervasive in the context of migration. An analysis of 45,000 English tweets revealed a wide range of attitudes towards migrants, including the presence of misinformation, concerns, and positive and negative attitudes. This study acknowledges the negative effects of misinformation, such as the formation of preconditions that promote false representations of migrants, foster negative attitudes, and consolidate prejudices against them. Misinformation also leads to mistrust among migrants towards official authorities and creates an environment conducive to exploitation by smugglers and traffickers. To address these issues, this study suggests corrective measures, including raising awareness, promoting evidence-based reasoning, and facilitating diverse forms of interpersonal dialogue.

Source: Societies

DOI: 10.3390/soc13070168

Authors: Nadejda Komendantova, Dmitry Erokhin, Teresa Albano

Institutions: International Institute for Applied Systems Analysis, Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe

Language: English

Topic: Misinformation and Its Impacts

Subfield: Sociology and Political Science

Field: Social Sciences

Domain: Social Sciences

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $1,557

Funder: European Commission