Helping People Deal With Disinformation -- A Socio-Technical Perspective

Abstract

At the latest since the advent of the Internet, disinformation and conspiracy theories have become ubiquitous. Recent examples like QAnon and Pizzagate prove that false information can lead to real violence. In this motivation statement for the Workshop on Human Aspects of Misinformation at CHI 2021, I explain my research agenda focused on 1. why people believe in disinformation, 2. how people can be best supported in recognizing disinformation, and 3. what the potentials and risks of different tools designed to fight disinformation are.