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Misinformation and Its Impact on Contested Policy Issues: The Example of Migration Discourses

Author

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  • Nadejda Komendantova

    (Cooperation and Transformative Governance Group, Advancing Systems Analysis Program, International Institute for Applied Systems Analysis, Schlossplatz 1, 2361 Laxenburg, Austria)

  • Dmitry Erokhin

    (Cooperation and Transformative Governance Group, Advancing Systems Analysis Program, International Institute for Applied Systems Analysis, Schlossplatz 1, 2361 Laxenburg, Austria)

  • Teresa Albano

    (Economic and Environmental Dimension, Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE), Wallnerstrasse 6, 1010 Vienna, Austria)

Abstract

Misinformation, in the form of false or inaccurate information deliberately created and spread through various channels, including social media, has become pervasive in the context of migration. An analysis of 45,000 English tweets revealed a wide range of attitudes towards migrants, including the presence of misinformation, concerns, and positive and negative attitudes. This study acknowledges the negative effects of misinformation, such as the formation of preconditions that promote false representations of migrants, foster negative attitudes, and consolidate prejudices against them. Misinformation also leads to mistrust among migrants towards official authorities and creates an environment conducive to exploitation by smugglers and traffickers. To address these issues, this study suggests corrective measures, including raising awareness, promoting evidence-based reasoning, and facilitating diverse forms of interpersonal dialogue.

Suggested Citation

  • Nadejda Komendantova & Dmitry Erokhin & Teresa Albano, 2023. "Misinformation and Its Impact on Contested Policy Issues: The Example of Migration Discourses," Societies, MDPI, vol. 13(7), pages 1-16, July.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsoctx:v:13:y:2023:i:7:p:168-:d:1197108
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Nicole M. Krause & Isabelle Freiling & Becca Beets & Dominique Brossard, 2020. "Fact-checking as risk communication: the multi-layered risk of misinformation in times of COVID-19," Journal of Risk Research, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 23(7-8), pages 1052-1059, August.
    2. Rowe, Francisco & Mahony, Michael & Graells-Garrido, Eduardo & Rango, Marzia & Sievers, Niklas, 2021. "Using Twitter to Track Immigration Sentiment During Early Stages of the COVID-19 Pandemic," SocArXiv pc3za, Center for Open Science.
    3. Philip Ball & Amy Maxmen, 2020. "The epic battle against coronavirus misinformation and conspiracy theories," Nature, Nature, vol. 581(7809), pages 371-374, May.
    4. Walk, Erin & Garimella, Kiran & Christia, Fotini, 2023. "Displacement and return in the internet Era: Social media for monitoring migration decisions in Northern Syria," World Development, Elsevier, vol. 168(C).
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    Cited by:

    1. Dmitry Erokhin & Nadejda Komendantova, 2024. "Earthquake conspiracy discussion on Twitter," Palgrave Communications, Palgrave Macmillan, vol. 11(1), pages 1-10, December.

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