Misinformation in Global Media: Causes, Consequences, and Accountability

Abstract

This report focuses on the factors that have led to the increase in misinformation spreading on social media platforms, as well as the methods used by powerful political actors to continue distributing inaccurate or politically motivated information. This report details the extensive issues that result from increasing public distrust in the media caused by the distribution of such high volumes of misinformation. The case studies demonstrate the severe consequences of the polarization in ideologies that have emerged through the rapid spread of misinformation on these platforms. Based on these issues, this report calls for implementing policy recommendations that will increase accountability measures on the most prominent actors of misinformation campaigns, while increasing overall awareness of the dangers of misinformation.