Binghamton University Undergraduates Tackle Disinformation in New Journal Edition
In an era saturated with social media and rampant political discourse surrounding “fake news,” the issue of disinformation has taken center stage. Binghamton University’s Undergraduate Research Journal, formerly known as Alpenglow, dedicates a special edition to exploring this critical topic, showcasing the impressive research conducted by undergraduate students. The journal provides a valuable platform for these budding scholars to experience the rigors and rewards of academic publishing, offering them a glimpse into the world of scholarly dissemination and contributing to the broader conversation on disinformation.
This special edition emerges from Associate Professor Sidney Dement’s Source Project stream focused on disinformation and naiveté. The Source Project, facilitated by the External Scholarships and Undergraduate Research Center, immerses first-year students in the realm of humanities and social sciences research. The timing of the disinformation stream, spanning 2022 and 2023, coincided with the Russian invasion of Ukraine, providing a real-world context for the students’ research. Professor Dement highlights how Putin’s invasion speech was rife with the very disinformation tactics the students were studying, underscoring the contemporary relevance of their work and connecting it to ongoing global events. This immediacy added a layer of urgency and significance to their investigations.
The journey to publication in the journal involves a rigorous process designed to cultivate scholarly rigor and refine research skills. Students seeking publication must secure faculty sponsorship for their work and submit it through an online portal. The editorial board, comprising the editor and center staff, reviews submissions for adherence to journal requirements. Accepted pieces then undergo a double-blind peer review process. An initial reviewer, either a faculty member or student, provides feedback and suggests revisions. After the writer incorporates these changes, the revised paper is sent to a second reviewer, a faculty member specializing in the relevant field, for another round of critique. This meticulous review process ensures the quality and integrity of the published work.
Lia Richter, a senior double-majoring in history and economics, serves as the journal’s managing editor, marking the second time an undergraduate has held this position. Previously, graduate students filled this role, demonstrating the increasing responsibility and recognition given to undergraduate contributions to scholarly work. Professor Dement’s two cohorts, totaling 35 students, formed a vibrant research community, with some students continuing their research beyond the initial stream. This dedication reflects the depth of student engagement with the complex issue of disinformation and their commitment to producing high-quality research.
The special edition showcases the diverse range of topics explored by students in the Disinformation and Naiveté stream. Seven papers delve into a fascinating array of subjects, demonstrating the breadth and depth of student inquiry. These topics include the psychological impact of the Pepe the Frog meme, the role of the “welfare queen” stereotype in eroding empathy, the application of the bargaining model in political science to Russian history, the Reid interrogation technique and its connection to false confessions, the epistemic crisis following 9/11, a case study of forced sterilization in the 1930s, and the interplay of disinformation and satire in a Soviet-era anti-Semitic cartoon. This eclectic collection highlights the students’ ability to critically examine various forms of disinformation and their impact on society.
The journal’s intended audience extends beyond the academic community, encompassing the students’ families and friends. Professor Dement emphasizes the value of undergraduate publications as a means for students to share their intellectual growth and learning with their loved ones. The accessibility of these papers, written by individuals closer to the general public than seasoned academics, also makes them valuable resources for professors seeking to understand student perspectives and gauge the potential of undergraduate research. Moreover, the inherent contemporary relevance of the topics explored, particularly in the context of disinformation’s pervasive influence, adds to their appeal.
Professor Dement underscores that disinformation is not a novel phenomenon confined to the digital age. He highlights the historical persistence of manipulating truth for personal gain or harmful purposes. Examining disinformation through a historical lens provides crucial context for understanding its current manifestations. The research presented in this special edition of the Binghamton University Undergraduate Research Journal contributes to this understanding, offering valuable insights into the multifaceted nature of disinformation and its impact on individuals and society. The students’ work serves as a testament to the power of undergraduate research in addressing complex and timely issues.