The Assault on Disinformation Research: A Threat to Democracy
The intersection of technology and democracy has become a battleground in recent years, with the rise of misinformation and disinformation posing a significant threat to informed public discourse. Researchers dedicated to understanding these phenomena have increasingly found themselves the target of coordinated attacks, aimed at discrediting their work and suppressing vital knowledge. This assault, emanating from various sources, including political figures, corporate actors, and certain media outlets, has profound implications for the future of democratic societies.
A recent study by Philip M. Napoli, Professor of Public Policy at Duke University, sheds light on this concerning trend. Napoli’s paper, "In pursuit of ignorance: The institutional assault on disinformation and hate speech research," analyzes over 1800 pages of primary documents, unveiling a strategic campaign to undermine research on disinformation and hate speech. This campaign, Napoli argues, represents a deliberate effort to cultivate ignorance and obstruct efforts to combat the spread of harmful online content.
The historical context of this assault is crucial. Napoli traces a pattern of politicization surrounding media research, dating back to debates about media ownership concentration and the role of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). He highlights how research exploring the impact of media ownership on diversity of viewpoints and local journalism became a lightning rod for political controversy. This historical precedent underscores the vulnerability of research that challenges powerful interests and illuminates the recurring tactics employed to suppress inconvenient truths.
The current wave of attacks, Napoli explains, gained momentum in the aftermath of the 2016 US presidential election. As platforms like Facebook and Twitter faced scrutiny for their role in facilitating the spread of misinformation, a concerted effort emerged to discredit research highlighting the partisan asymmetry in the production and dissemination of false or misleading information. This effort involves a range of tactics, including congressional investigations, state-level lawsuits, and platform-led initiatives, all aimed at silencing or intimidating researchers.
Napoli introduces the concept of "agnotology," the study of the social construction of ignorance, to frame this campaign. He argues that ignorance is not simply the absence of knowledge; it can be actively cultivated through strategic actions. The tobacco industry’s historical efforts to obscure the health risks of smoking provide a chilling example of how powerful actors can manipulate information and sow doubt to protect their interests. Similarly, the current attacks on disinformation research represent a deliberate attempt to create an environment of uncertainty and confusion, where the very notion of truth is challenged.
The coordination among various actors in this campaign is a key element of Napoli’s analysis. He identifies connections between congressional committees, corporate entities like X (formerly Twitter), and certain media personalities, suggesting a deliberate effort to amplify and legitimize attacks on researchers. This coordination, Napoli argues, demonstrates a concerted effort to create a hostile environment for researchers and discourage further inquiry into the spread of disinformation.
The consequences of this assault are far-reaching. Researchers report feeling intimidated and hesitant to pursue research in this sensitive area. Funding for disinformation research is drying up, and some organizations have been forced to shut down their operations. This chilling effect has serious implications for our ability to understand and combat the spread of harmful online content.
Napoli’s research raises critical questions about the future of research and its role in informing public discourse. He emphasizes the need for increased transparency and accountability from platforms, government agencies, and other institutions involved in shaping the online information environment. He also calls for greater support for researchers and institutions dedicated to studying disinformation, ensuring that their work can continue despite the ongoing attacks.
The assault on disinformation research is not just an attack on academics; it is an attack on the very foundations of democracy. By suppressing research and cultivating ignorance, these coordinated campaigns undermine our ability to make informed decisions and participate fully in democratic processes. The fight against disinformation is a fight for the future of our societies, and it requires a collective effort to protect and support those who are working to uncover the truth. The stakes are too high to allow these attacks to succeed.