Finding Strategies Against Misinformation in Social Media: A Qualitative Study

TL;DR

This study explores how intelligent tools can help social media users develop metacognitive skills to better identify and counter misinformation, based on qualitative focus group analysis.

Contribution

It introduces a new approach of using intelligent tools to support users in combating misinformation through fostering metacognitive skills.

Findings

Users find it difficult to detect misinformation.

There is a lack of resources for cross-validation of information.

Misinformation has nuanced emotional impacts.

Abstract

Misinformation spread through social media has become a fundamental challenge in modern society. Recent studies have evaluated various strategies for addressing this problem, such as by modifying social media platforms or educating people about misinformation, to varying degrees of success. Our goal is to develop a new strategy for countering misinformation: intelligent tools that encourage social media users to foster metacognitive skills "in the wild." As a first step, we conducted focus groups with social media users to discover how they can be best supported in combating misinformation. Qualitative analyses of the discussions revealed that people find it difficult to detect misinformation. Findings also indicated a need for but lack of resources to support cross-validation of information. Moreover, misinformation had a nuanced emotional impact on people. Suggestions for the design of intelligent tools that support social media users in information selection, information engagement, and emotional response management are presented.