It seems that most people aren’t sharing fake news out of malice, but rather inattention. The solution, however, is simple and inexpensive: after asking research participants to determine the accuracy of a headline — making them pause and think — they were less likely to share news from websites notorious for misinformation. “Platforms…could periodically ask users to rate the accuracy of randomly selected headlines, thus reminding them about accuracy”. Read full article here
Societal Issues
To curb drug deaths, communities turn to Reddit, texts and wastewater
With drug overdose deaths on the rise, authorities are attempting to curb the epidemic by tracking and sharing information in real time. In one unique effort, a nonprofit in New York City is using drug-testing equipment and stamping or marking habits of dealers to identify drug batches that may endanger users. Other approaches are also being used, such as monitoring drug-related chatter on Reddit and analyzing local wastewater for opioid and other drug levels. With the combination of these efforts, researchers hope to put a dent in the opioid crisis and reduce overdose deaths. Read full article here
Merv
June 1, 2023
