University of Kwazulu-Natal

Trust In Voting How Misinformation Threatens Eurekalert

Bonisiwe Shabane
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trust in voting how misinformation threatens eurekalert

With misinformation on the rise and American voters increasingly losing faith in elections, USC experts explore strategies to restore confidence in democracy Public trust in our free and fair elections — a fundamental pillar of American democracy — is eroding. We don’t need polls to tell us Americans are losing faith in democracy, though the numbers back it up: Recent survey data shows that almost 60% of Americans are dissatisfied with the current state... The flow of misinformation and coordinated disinformation campaigns are generating alarming levels of doubt among voters, USC experts say. From narratives around contentious issues like abortion and immigration to unsubstantiated claims of voter fraud, the damaging effects of misinformation on democracy are increasingly evident. Even misinformation surrounding federal responses to crises such as Hurricane Helene show how public perception can be swayed and the consequences that can follow.

“In the long term, the greatest risk we face is the potential destabilization of not just American democracy, but democracies around the world,” said Mindy Romero, director and founder of the Center for Inclusive... “We’re seeing higher levels of distrust in our elections, how they’re run and the validity of their outcomes,” USC Price’s Mindy Romero says. (Photo/iStock) With misinformation on the rise and American voters increasingly losing faith in elections, USC experts explore strategies to restore confidence in democracy. Public trust in our free and fair elections — a fundamental pillar of American democracy — is eroding. We don’t need polls to tell us Americans are losing faith in democracy, though the numbers back it up: Recent survey data shows that almost 60% of Americans are dissatisfied with the current state...

The flow of misinformation and coordinated disinformation campaigns are generating alarming levels of doubt among voters, USC experts say. From narratives around contentious issues like abortion and immigration to unsubstantiated claims of voter fraud, the damaging effects of misinformation on democracy are increasingly evident. Even misinformation surrounding federal responses to crises such as Hurricane Helene show how public perception can be swayed and the consequences that can follow. Erosion of Public Trust in American Elections Fuels Democratic Backsliding The bedrock of American democracy, the public’s faith in free and fair elections, is demonstrably crumbling. Surveys reveal a pervasive dissatisfaction with the state of democracy, with a majority of Americans expressing concern about the proliferation of misinformation.

This decline in trust isn’t merely a matter of public opinion; it poses a significant threat to the stability of democratic institutions, both in the United States and globally. The increasing prevalence of misinformation and disinformation campaigns, amplified by technological advancements, sows doubt about electoral processes, undermining the very foundation of representative government. From unsubstantiated claims of voter fraud to distorted narratives surrounding critical issues like abortion and immigration, the corrosive impact of misinformation is evident across the political spectrum. Even government responses to natural disasters, like Hurricane Helene, become targets of misinformation, further eroding public confidence. This trend threatens to destabilize democratic processes and disenfranchise voters, particularly those from historically marginalized communities. The Rise of Generative AI: A New Frontier in Misinformation

While misinformation and disinformation have long been present in American politics, the advent of generative AI has drastically altered the landscape. The speed and scale at which false information can now spread pose an unprecedented challenge. AI-powered tools enable the creation and dissemination of highly convincing fabricated content, making it increasingly difficult to distinguish fact from fiction. This rapid spread of misinformation online can manipulate public perception and influence election outcomes, especially in closely contested races. The erosion of the traditional adage "I’ll believe it when I see it" underscores the profound impact of AI on information integrity. Now, a default position of skepticism is crucial in navigating the digital landscape, where fabricated content can seamlessly blend with reality.

Shrinking Newsrooms and Social Media’s Ascendancy: A Perfect Storm for Misinformation Election deniers are working to undermine confidence in our elections and suppress turnout, particularly among voters of color and other historically marginalized communities. The misinformation they propagate — including lies about the voting process and election workers — can have significant consequences for people’s ability to vote and trust in our elections. These threats are especially perilous today. Since 2020, prominent politicians and candidates for election administration positions have amplified the Big Lie of a “stolen” presidential election. These falsehoods spread rapidly on social media, with platforms unwilling or unable to intervene, fueling threats to election systems.

Election misinformation is a danger to American democracy. It menaces election officials, with 64 percent reporting in 2022 that the spread of false information has made their jobs more dangerous. It interferes with voters’ ability to understand and participate in political processes. And it has been weaponized by lawmakers to justify new voter suppression legislation. Congressional action, social media platform transparency, and accessible voter education can all help address the grave threat that election misinformation poses to our democracy. The Brennan Center is tracking rumors about voting and election administration to help provide accurate information to better inform voters.

Voting Integrity Messages Fight Misinformation in the Lab. But What about the Real World? Telling people exactly how voting security works helps defeat election misinformation, experiments suggest. But outside experts question how well that works in the real world People cast their ballots on November 5, 2024, in New York City. Wang Fan/China News Service/VCG/Getty Images

Safeguards keep fake ballots from being counted. Election officials regularly update voter lists. Voting machine software undergoes rigorous testing. As the United States gears up for the pivotal 2024 elections, the specter of misinformation looms larger than ever, raising urgent questions about electoral integrity and public trust in democracy. Mindy Romero, a prominent expert in voter behavior and political representation, underscores the critical nature of this issue, identifying three primary types of election-related misinformation: doubts about the integrity of election systems, misinformation that... The actors behind these disinformation campaigns range from foreign governments to domestic political entities, each employing sophisticated tactics to manipulate public perception and influence electoral outcomes.

The implications of unchecked misinformation are profound, particularly for marginalized communities. Romero warns that misinformation can exacerbate existing disparities in voter turnout, which is already alarmingly low in the U.S. compared to other established democracies. This underrepresentation threatens the democratic principle that elected officials should reflect the diversity of the populace. The targeted nature of disinformation campaigns often discourages participation among specific demographics, further skewing policy decisions and undermining the effectiveness of democratic governance. The rapid spread of misinformation, fueled by technological advancements, complicates the landscape even further.

With the ability to go viral in mere moments, distinguishing fact from fiction becomes increasingly challenging for voters. Romero emphasizes that a well-informed citizenry is essential for a healthy democracy, yet the current information environment often leaves individuals vulnerable to manipulation. This is particularly concerning given the already low levels of public trust in electoral processes, which can lead to further disengagement from civic participation. Moreover, the role of social media platforms in the dissemination of misinformation cannot be overstated. As highlighted in various reports, these platforms have faced significant scrutiny for their handling of false narratives, especially in the wake of the January 6 Capitol riots. While initial efforts to combat misinformation were robust, recent shifts in policy have allowed falsehoods to proliferate once again.

The pressure from political actors, particularly from Republican lawmakers, has led to a relaxation of content moderation practices, creating an environment where misinformation can thrive unchecked. The implications of this misinformation crisis extend beyond individual voter behavior; they threaten the very foundation of American democracy. As the 2024 elections approach, the stakes are high. The potential for misinformation to sway public opinion and influence electoral outcomes raises critical questions about the integrity of the democratic process. Romero’s insights serve as a clarion call for collective action to confront these challenges, emphasizing the need for a multi-faceted approach that includes media literacy, critical thinking, and proactive measures from social media platforms... A recent Gallup poll showed public trust in the electoral process—a cornerstone of American democracy—is eroding as the rampant spread of misinformation and organized disinformation campaigns breed dangerous skepticism among voters.

Now, with early voting underway and Election Day drawing near, the stakes are higher than ever. USC experts are available to provide insights on how misinformation spreads, the role of media and AI in safeguarding election integrity and potential solutions to restore voter confidence in democracy. Contact: Nina Raffio, raffio@usc.edu or (213) 442-8464; USC Media Relations, uscnews@usc.edu or (213) 740-2215 “One of the most dangerous consequences of the concerted disinformation efforts intended to undermine public confidence in our democratic institutions has been the attacks on the fairness of our elections,” said Tom Hollihan, an... “This campaign, coupled by the efforts of former President Trump to overturn the results of the 2020 election, led to the violent protests of January 6th and the lingering distrust on the right today. It is imperative that all media outlets focus their efforts on rebutting mistruths and rehabilitating the public’s confidence in our elections.

Misleading or untruthful posts should be called out and if possible removed,” said Hollihan, a professor of communication at the USC Annenberg School for Communications and Journalism. Romero, an expert on voter behavior and political representation, offers insights into what it will take to restore trust in America’s electoral process and safeguard inclusive democracy. Mindy Romero is the founder and director of the Center for Inclusive Democracy and a research assistant professor at the USC Price. (Photo/Eddie Ostrowski) Election Day is less than a week away and U.S. intelligence agencies are issuing new warnings about the threat to democracy posed by disinformation campaigns.

From allegations of voter fraud to attacks on ballot boxes and threats of violence against election officials, challenges to electoral integrity are growing. These accusations erode public trust and pave the way for a climate of fear and uncertainty surrounding our democratic institutions, USC experts say. To understand these challenges and their implications for the health and inclusivity of our democracy, USC News spoke with Mindy Romero, the founder and director of the Center for Inclusive Democracy and a research... A political sociologist by training, Romero focuses her research on the dynamics of voting and the patterns of political underrepresentation, particularly among youth and communities of color across California and the United States. Oren Etzioni poses for photos at the Allen Institute for Artificial Intelligence where he serves as advisor & board member, Friday, Dec. 8, 2023, in Seattle.

Experts are warning that the spread of misinformation could get worse in the coming presidential election contest. The safeguards that attempted to counter the bogus claims the last time are eroding, while the tools and systems that create and spread them are only getting stronger. (AP Photo/John Froschauer) Oren Etzioni poses for photos at the Allen Institute for Artificial Intelligence where he serves as advisor & board member, Friday, Dec. 8, 2023, in Seattle. Experts are warning that the spread of misinformation could get worse in the coming presidential election contest.

The safeguards that attempted to counter the bogus claims the last time are eroding, while the tools and systems that create and spread them are only getting stronger. (AP Photo/John Froschauer) Breck School juniors Ainsley Kaufman and Graham Bailey interview Minnesota Secretary of State Steve Simon during a Q&A with members of Voterama, a student group focused on voter advocacy and awareness at Breck School... 1, 2023. (AP Photo/Nicole Neri) Students listen as Minnesota Secretary of State Steve Simon speaks during a Q&A with members of Voterama, a student group focused on voter advocacy and awareness at Breck School in Golden Valley, Minn., Friday,...

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