E51 - Mis-, Dis-, and Mal-information: Growing Problem, But Some Hope

Misinformation (including disinformation, which is intentional disinformation), have been around as long as humans have had communication and conflict. However, technologies such as the web, smartphones, and social media have enabled spreading of misinformation much faster and more widely. This has created mistrust in political leaders, in science such as vaccines and climate change, in social issues, and more. Robert Matney of PrimerAI shares with Austin Forum executive Director Jay Boisseau the history and current disinformation landscape, and they discuss how technologies (smartphones, social media, etc.) have enabled faster creation and distribution of mis-, dis-, and mal-information. We then discuss recommendations for individuals and companies, and how technologies including AI as well as improvements in the current tech tools may help with identification and mitigation. All hope is not lost!