Free Inquiry: Power & Influence of Social Media – Does social media amplify meaningful discourse or fuel misinformation?

Introduction

Social media is the culmination of websites and applications that allow users to communicate and share information with each other in a digital environment. What we see on social media can influence our opinions and beliefs on a given topic, so it is important to engage with information and other people in a meaningful way. As such, users are faced with the challenge of seeking out knowledge in a space that is filled with inaccurate, irrelevant, and sometimes misleading information. Matter of Fact, over 40% of all Canadian adults find it difficult to distinguish between trustworthy and false information on social media (Statistics Canada, 2024). Not only that, but nearly three in four canadians report seeing information they suspect to be false.

To that effect, seasoned social media users can identify inaccurate or misleading information. This lets users access reliable sources on social media, and obtain the relevant knowledge they seek. However, many social media users may fall prey to false information or malware (viruses). Given the reach and rate at which information (and misinformation) can spread through social media, an important question is posed: is social media a benefit or a detriment to humanity?

References

Bilodeau H., & Khalid A. (2024). The spread of misinformation: A multivariate analysis of the relationship between individual characteristics and fact-checking behaviours of Canadians. Statistics Canada. https://www150.statcan.gc.ca/n1/pub/22-20-0001/222000012024003-eng.htm