Smartphones, social media and generative artificial intelligence have made easy work of information production, dissemination and consumption. They have also, correspondingly, facilitated the proliferation of misinformation. Widespread false, inaccurate and misleading information can have profound consequences on the well-being of individuals, organisations, and societies; threatening public health and safety, inciting socialunrest, and disrupting livelihoods. Its effects have been especially pronounced in recent years, hindering vaccination drives, compelling irrational behaviours, threatening political processes, and causing significant financial losses. What drives some to believe in, and act on misinformation? What can individuals, organisationsand societies do to manage misinformation? Can we believe anything that we see anymore? In exploring concepts, conditions and consequences of misinformation, this course invites students to question the truths, tales and lies that may be guiding human behaviours, social relations, and global affairs.
At the end of this course, students will be able to:
Disciplinary and Multidisciplinary Knowledge
- Explain misinformation, and how it differs from other types of false information.
- Understand misinformation from a variety of disciplinary perspectives, from psychology to sociology, management to international relations.
Intellectual and Creative Skills
- Apply critical thinking and media literacy skills to evaluate the credibility of sources, the evidence presented, and the methodologies used in information gathering.
- Understand misinformation spread and apply evidence-based and creative means to manage misinformation.
Global Citizenship
