How Disinformation Affects Elections

Barbara McQuade

Check out this insightful discussion with Barbara McQuade, a University of Michigan Law Professor and former U.S. Attorney, on the critical impact of disinformation on the democratic process, as well as discussing her new book, The Fix - Saving America from the Corruption of a Mob-Style Government.

McQuade clarifies the difference: disinformation is the intentional spread of lies to advance an agenda, while misinformation occurs when individuals unwittingly share that false information. The conversation delves into how hostile foreign actors, particularly Russia, use social media to pose as Americans and push divisive narratives to influence election outcomes. McQuade explains how "influence operations" target social and political fault lines (like gun rights and racial issues) to polarize the electorate.

She also touches on the role of technology - the reach and anonymity of the internet allow false information to spread at an unprecedented scale, often driven by algorithms that prioritize sensational or hateful content. She provides practical tips for viewers to spot bots and fake accounts, such as checking for stock profile photos, unusual follower-to-post ratios, and verifying sensational headlines across multiple credible news sources.

The discussion emphasizes the need for supporting local journalism and increasing "news literacy" for both children and adults to protect the integrity of the "informed electorate."