The new ANALYSIS podcast provided by the Austrian Press Agency’s (APA) “Nerd mit Auftrag”.
In a recent podcast, project member Jakob-Moritz Eberl from the University of Vienna explored the challenges posed by misinformation, conspiracy myths, and artificial intelligence (AI) in shaping public opinion and democratic processes. Drawing on exclusive survey data, Eberl provided a nuanced analysis of media usage, attitudes toward fact-checking, and voting behavior.
Eberl highlighted the role of social media in amplifying uncertainty, particularly during crises like the COVID-19 pandemic, which supposedly marked a turning point for the proliferation of disinformation. AI technologies have further complicated this landscape, making it increasingly difficult to distinguish fact from fabrication. More importantly, however, Eberl puts emphasis on disinformation from political elites.
The discussion also examined the effectiveness of fact-checking initiatives and the challenges researchers face when working in this field. Eberl emphasized the need for shared responsibility among platforms, media, and policymakers in combating disinformation and its spread, while also advocating for greater media literacy and proactive strategies like prebunking.
For more details, you can listen into the German-language Podcast here.
