How to tell if a conspiracy theory is probably false

Conspiracy theories abound. What should you believe − and how can you tell?

H. Colleen Sinclair, Associate Research Professor of Social Psychology, Louisiana State University • conversation
May 7, 2024 ~9 min

A look inside the cyberwar between Israel and Hamas reveals the civilian toll

The consequences of cyber conflict are primarily felt by civilians, who call for retaliation, fueling cycles of violence.

Tal Mimran, Associate Professor of International Law, Zefat Academic College • conversation
May 3, 2024 ~10 min


TikTok fears point to larger problem: Poor media literacy in the social media age

If the US wants to protect young people from misinformation and foreign influence, focusing on TikTok is barking up the wrong tree.

Nir Eisikovits, Professor of Philosophy and Director, Applied Ethics Center, UMass Boston • conversation
April 19, 2024 ~8 min

Deepfakes are still new, but 2024 could be the year they have an impact on elections

As technology has advanced, AI-generated deepfakes have become more convincing.

Eileen Culloty, Assistant Professor, School of Communications, Dublin City University • conversation
March 19, 2024 ~7 min

In 2024, we’ll truly find out how robust our democracies are to online disinformation campaigns

Low tech or hi-tech, the next year will determine how much action nations take on election interference.

William Dance, Senior Research Associate, Lancaster University • conversation
March 1, 2024 ~7 min

Disinformation threatens global elections – here’s how to fight back

Scientists estimate that for every 100,000 people targeted with specific political ads, several thousand can be persuaded.

Stephan Lewandowsky, Chair of Cognitive Psychology, University of Bristol • conversation
Feb. 15, 2024 ~9 min

Disinformation is often blamed for swaying elections – the research says something else

Most studies suggests that fake news is more likely to enhance existing beliefs and views rather than radically change voting intentions of those who are undecided.

Magda Osman, Principal Research Associate in Basic and Applied Decision Making, Cambridge Judge Business School • conversation
Jan. 26, 2024 ~8 min

Reining in AI means figuring out which regulation options are feasible, both technically and economically

There are many ideas about how to regulate AI, but not all of them are technologically feasible, and some of those that are won’t fly economically.

Saurabh Bagchi, Professor of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Purdue University • conversation
Jan. 17, 2024 ~7 min


Why some people don't trust science – and how to change their minds

People who are suspicious of science often assume they are understand it well – and that others agree with them.

Laurence D. Hurst, Professor of Evolutionary Genetics at The Milner Centre for Evolution, University of Bath • conversation
Dec. 29, 2023 ~7 min

War in Gaza: An ethicist explains why you shouldn't turn to social media for information about the conflict or to do something about it

Social media is designed to keep you engaged by getting a rise out of you, not help you think critically or take effective action on political issues.

Nir Eisikovits, Professor of Philosophy and Director, Applied Ethics Center, UMass Boston • conversation
Dec. 15, 2023 ~8 min

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