Podcast
Questions and Answers
Which of the following accurately describes the role of social networks in opinion formation?
Which of the following accurately describes the role of social networks in opinion formation?
What best defines echo chambers in the context of social media?
What best defines echo chambers in the context of social media?
What is a primary characteristic distinguishing misinformation from disinformation?
What is a primary characteristic distinguishing misinformation from disinformation?
Which of the following best describes algorithms in social media?
Which of the following best describes algorithms in social media?
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What is a common consequence of algorithms in social networks?
What is a common consequence of algorithms in social networks?
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What is a primary reason individuals engage with mis- and disinformation?
What is a primary reason individuals engage with mis- and disinformation?
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Which population is most likely to engage with disinformation in the form of deep fakes?
Which population is most likely to engage with disinformation in the form of deep fakes?
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What is a common implication of engaging with disinformation?
What is a common implication of engaging with disinformation?
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What role do social media companies play in mitigating the risks associated with disinformation?
What role do social media companies play in mitigating the risks associated with disinformation?
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What is the privacy paradox as it relates to social media?
What is the privacy paradox as it relates to social media?
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Which of the following is a disadvantage of state surveillance?
Which of the following is a disadvantage of state surveillance?
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What is sousveillance?
What is sousveillance?
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Which factor is a key driver of political participation?
Which factor is a key driver of political participation?
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Study Notes
Understanding Opinions
- Attitudes are general evaluations of an object, person, or issue, while opinions are specific beliefs or judgments about a particular situation
- Attitudes are more stable and enduring, while opinions are more flexible and can change as new information is presented.
- Attitudes are often based on values and beliefs, while opinions are often based on information and experiences.
- Opinions are shaped by psychological factors such as exposure to information, personal experiences, values, and beliefs.
- Motivations that drive opinion formation are social approval (conformity), feeling good about oneself (ego defense), efficiency, and information-seeking
- Individuals` prior knowledge influences their opinions, as well as pre-existing biases.
- These biases affect information processing, leading to confirmation bias (seeking out information that reinforces existing beliefs) or availability bias (relying on readily available information)
- Social media can play a significant role in shaping opinions, as it allows individuals to easily access information and connect with others who share similar beliefs and values
Role of Social Networks and Algorithms
- Social networks influence opinion formation by facilitating exposure to diverse perspectives and connecting individuals with like-minded individuals.
- Algorithms are sets of rules that are used by computers to solve problems or make decisions.
- Algorithms are used by social media platforms to personalize content, filter information, and recommend connections.
- Algorithms become gatekeepers by deciding which content is shown to users; this can influence opinion formation, by shaping exposure to different viewpoints.
- Filters bubbles can be created, where users are only exposed to information that confirms their existing beliefs
- Algorithms are useful in filtering spam, identifying fake accounts, and connecting people with shared interests
Echo Chambers
- Echo chambers are online spaces where users are only exposed to information that reinforces their existing beliefs.
- Causes of echo chambers include confirmation bias, homophily (connecting with similar people), and selective exposure (choosing to only see information that aligns with existing beliefs).
- Social networks and algorithms contribute to echo chamber formation by filtering content based on user activity and preferences, often limiting exposure to diverse viewpoints.
- Filter bubbles created by algorithms reinforce existing beliefs by showing only content that aligns with these beliefs.
- Social media platforms are actively working to address echo chamber formation by introducing algorithms that promote exposure to diverse viewpoints and encourage engagement with people who hold different beliefs.
An overview of mis- and disinformation (including deep fakes)
- Misinformation is false or inaccurate information that is spread unintentionally, while disinformation is false or inaccurate information that is spread deliberately with the intent to deceive.
- Characteristics of mis- and disinformation include sensationalism, emotional appeal, and lack of credible sources.
- Deep fakes are digitally manipulated videos or images that are created to make someone appear to be doing or saying something that they did not do.
- Characteristics of deep fakes include realistic imagery, audio syncing, and difficulty in detection.
- Types of deep fakes include face swaps, lip syncing, and body manipulations
Why do individuals engage with mis- and disinformation?
- Confirmation bias - individuals are more likely to engage with information that confirms their pre-existing beliefs and opinions.
- Social factors - influence individual behavior by shaping social norms and expectations.
- Emotional factors - individuals may be more likely to engage with mis- and disinformation if it evokes strong emotions, either positive or negative.
- Cognitive factors - individuals may not be aware of the information's accuracy, or may not have the skills to evaluate its credibility.
- Lack of trust in traditional media sources - individuals may turn to alternative sources of information, including social media, which can be more susceptible to mis- and disinformation.
Implications of engagement with mis- and disinformation
- Disinformation is perceived as more harmful than misinformation because it is spread with the intent to deceive
- High proportion of citizens are engaging with disinformation, making it a serious concern
- Young adults are more likely to engage with disinformation in the forms of deep fakes
- Engagement with disinformation can have several negative implications, including erosion of trust in institutions, polarization of society, and increased violence.
Mitigating the risks
- Social media companies are playing a key role by fact-checking content, removing false accounts, and labeling disinformation.
- Governments are working to regulate social media companies and develop policies to address disinformation.
- Media can combat disinformation by reporting factual information, debunking false claims, and promoting media literacy.
- Individuals can play a key role by being critical consumers of information, verifying facts, and reporting disinformation.
- Tools and techniques for individuals to mitigate disinformation include fact-checking websites, critical thinking skills, and media literacy training
Privacy and social media
- Privacy is the right to be free from unwanted intrusion into one's personal life, and control over how one's personal information is collected, used, and disclosed.
- Social media poses unique challenges to privacy, as users often share a large amount of personal information. This information could include users' names, contact information, location, interests, and even their friends' information.
- The privacy paradox is the tendency for individuals to share personal information online, even though they are concerned about privacy.
- Users may be unaware of the scope of privacy violations, or may be willing to trade privacy for convenience.
Surveillance and social media
- Surveillance is the monitoring of people's behavior and activities, often without their knowledge or consent, to gather information for various purposes - including security, crime prevention, and social control.
- Government surveillance can be useful for national security, but raises concerns about **individual privacy. **
- Sousveillance is the act of recording and monitoring by individuals, often to hold power structures accountable.
- Perceived surveillance can have a chilling effect on free speech, as individuals may be less likely to express opinions or engage in activities if they believe they are being monitored.
- Perceived surveillance can decrease trust in institutions and create feelings of powerlessness and anxiety
Offline Political Participation
- Political participation is the process by which individuals engage in political activity to influence government decisions.
- Political participation can contribute to civic engagement, democratic values, and government accountability.
- Political participation is influenced by various factors, including socioeconomic status, education level, and political efficacy.
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Description
This quiz explores the distinctions between attitudes and opinions, highlighting how attitudes are stable evaluations while opinions are more fluid judgments. It also delves into the psychological factors influencing opinion formation, such as personal experiences and social motivations. Test your understanding of these critical concepts in psychology.
