Glossary
A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z
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Algorithmic Bias
Algorithmic bias occurs when a computer system systematically and unfairly discriminates against certain individuals or groups. This bias can arise from biased data, flawed algorithms, human error, unanticipated side effects, or other factors.
Attention Theft
Attention theft refers to the manipulation or hijacking of users’ attention by digital platforms or media, often through clickbait, sensationalism, or other tactics designed to maximize engagement, often at the expense of users’ time and well-being.
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Backfire Effect
The backfire effect is a cognitive bias where individuals faced with evidence challenging their beliefs not only reject the evidence but also strengthen their original beliefs.
Bias
Bias is a disproportionate weight in favor or against an idea, thing, group, or individual, usually in a way considered to be unfair. Biases can be conscious (explicit) or unconscious (implicit).
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Constructive Journalism
Constructive journalism is an emerging approach in the field of journalism that focuses on rigorous, solution-oriented reporting. It aims to provide a more balanced narrative by not only highlighting problems but also exploring potential solutions, fostering a more engaged and informed public. This approach seeks to move beyond the negativity bias prevalent in traditional news media by emphasizing resilience, innovation, and constructive responses to societal challenges.
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Disinformation
Disinformation is content that is intentionally false and designed to cause harm. It is motivated by three factors: to make money; to have political influence, either foreign or domestic; or to cause trouble for the sake of it.
Wardle, Claire. Understanding Information Disorder: Essential Guides. First Draft, 2020.
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Echo Chamber
An echo chamber is an environment where people are exposed only to information, opinions, or beliefs that reflect and reinforce their own, leading to misinformation and polarized views.
Explainable AI
Explainable AI refers to artificial intelligence systems designed to be transparent in their decision-making processes, making it easier for humans to understand, trust, and manage them.
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Fake News
Fake news originally referred to fabricated news stories presented as legitimate journalism. The term has since been co-opted by political figures, particularly on the far-right, to discredit legitimate news sources and journalists.
Filter Bubble
A filter bubble is a state of intellectual isolation resulting from personalized searches when an algorithm selectively guesses what information a user would like to see based on past behavior, leading to users being isolated from information that disagrees with their viewpoints.
FIMI
See Foreign Information Manipulation & Interference
Foreign Information Manipulation & Interference
A pattern of behavior that threatens or has the potential to negatively impact values, procedures and political processes. Such activity is manipulative in character, conducted in an intentional and coordinated manner. Actors of such activity can be state or non-state actors, including their proxies inside and outside of their own territory. (As per EEAS) Related to Propaganda and Disinformation.
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Information Disorder
Information disorder encompasses various forms of false information, including misinformation, disinformation, and malinformation. It reflects the broad range of problems associated with the spread of misleading or harmful information.
Information Overload
Information overload refers to the difficulty in understanding an issue and effectively making decisions when one has too much information about that issue.
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Malinformation
(Malinformation) describes genuine information that is shared with an intent to cause harm. An example of this is when Russian agents hacked into emails from the Democratic National Committee and the Hillary Clinton campaign and leaked certain details to the public to damage reputations.
Wardle, Claire. Understanding Information Disorder: Essential Guides. First Draft, 2020.
Misinformation
Misinformation ... describes false content, but the person sharing doesn’t realize that it is false or misleading. Often a piece of disinformation is picked up by someone who doesn’t realize it’s false and that person shares it with their networks, believing that they are helping. The sharing of misinformation is driven by socio-psychological factors. Online, people perform their identities. They want to feel connected to their ‘‘tribe,” whether that means members of the same political party, parents who don’t vaccinate their children, activists concerned about climate change, or those who belong to a certain religion, race or ethnic group.
Wardle, Claire. Understanding Information Disorder: Essential Guides. First Draft, 2020.
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Polarization
Polarization refers to the process by which public opinion divides and goes to the extremes, often exacerbated by social media and information bubbles.
Post-Truth
Post-truth is an adjective defined as ‘relating to or denoting circumstances in which objective facts are less influential in shaping public opinion than appeals to emotion and personal belief’.
Oxford English Dictionary. Word of the Year 2016.
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