University of Georgia Students Tackle Digital Misinformation at Spring 2025 "What the Hackathon"
Athens, GA – Over 40 University of Georgia students delved into the intricate world of online misinformation at the spring 2025 "What the Hackathon," gaining valuable insights into how individuals process and react to false or misleading information online. The event, sponsored by the "What the Hack" podcast hosted by Adam Levin, provided students with a unique opportunity to engage with cutting-edge research on persuasion, trustworthiness, and the dynamics of online information consumption. The hackathon served as a platform for exploring innovative approaches to combating the spread of misinformation and fostering a more discerning online environment.
A central focus of the hackathon was the research presented by Brittany Shivers, a doctoral student at the University of Georgia. Shivers shared her work on psychological reactance, a phenomenon where individuals resist persuasive messages that threaten their autonomy, and the critical role of source credibility in shaping online information consumption. Participants experienced Shivers’ research firsthand by engaging in a streamlined version of her recent TikTok misinformation study. This interactive component allowed students to gain a deeper understanding of how various interventions influence audience trust, skepticism, and emotional responses to online content. Shivers emphasized the implications of her findings for journalistic practices in the digital age, particularly in the context of maintaining credibility and fostering trust with online audiences.
Dr. Kyser Lough, director of the Cox Institute’s News Literacy Certificate and associate journalism professor in the Grady College of Journalism and Mass Communication, facilitated the event. Lough, whose research centers on visual communication, solutions journalism, and photojournalism, guided students through the complexities of identifying and navigating misinformation online. The hackathon aligned seamlessly with the goals of the News Literacy Certificate, an interdisciplinary program open to all UGA students that cultivates critical thinking skills essential for navigating the contemporary information landscape. The certificate program equips students with the tools to access, analyze, verify, create, and share media messages responsibly, with a particular emphasis on news literacy.
The Spring 2025 "What the Hackathon" provided students with a practical application of the principles covered in the News Literacy Certificate program. By participating in the TikTok misinformation study, students gained firsthand experience with the challenges and opportunities associated with identifying and mitigating misinformation in online environments. This practical approach reinforced the importance of critical thinking and media literacy skills in navigating the complexities of digital media. The event underscored the growing need for educational initiatives that empower individuals to become more discerning consumers of online information.
Shivers’ research highlighted the vulnerability of platforms like TikTok to the spread of misinformation. The rapid-fire nature of content delivery, combined with algorithms designed to maximize engagement, can create an environment where misinformation spreads quickly and unchecked. Her study examined the efficacy of various interventions aimed at mitigating the spread of misinformation on the platform, including fact-checking labels and source credibility indicators. The findings provided valuable insights into the factors influencing user trust and skepticism and underscored the need for multi-faceted strategies to combat misinformation in online spaces. The interactive element of the hackathon allowed students to directly experience the impact of these interventions, reinforcing the importance of critical engagement with online content.
The "What the Hackathon" series, hosted semi-annually by the Cox Institute, represents a commitment to fostering news literacy among students. By providing a platform for students to engage with current research and explore innovative solutions, these events contribute to the development of a more informed and discerning citizenry. The Spring 2025 event served as a testament to the power of collaboration and experiential learning in addressing the challenges posed by digital misinformation. The event underscored the growing importance of news literacy education in empowering individuals to navigate the complex online information ecosystem and to make informed decisions based on credible sources. The ongoing "What the Hackathon" series reinforces the Cox Institute’s dedication to fostering a more informed and media-literate society.