Date
12-2021
Department
School of Communication and the Arts
Degree
Master of Fine Arts in Graphic Design (MFA)
Chair
Stacy Cannon
Keywords
Graphic Design, Misinformation
Disciplines
Fine Arts
Recommended Citation
Morris, Sydney, "The Museum of Misinformation: An Interactive Exhibit Illuminating the Effects of Social Media Algorithms on Cognitive Bias and the Spread of Misinformation" (2021). Masters Theses. 822.
https://digitalcommons.liberty.edu/masters/822
Abstract
Misinformation is so easily believed and spread due to social media and its algorithms that amplify bias. This severely effects the millennial population and their ability to assess information, as many of them have begun to forego traditional news outlets and rely on social media for their news. The aim of this research was to investigate the phenomenon of confirmation bias and its connection to millennials’ belief in misinformation along with how social media uses confirmation bias to aid in the spread of misinformation. Specifically, it investigates methods that would aid millennials in combatting spreading misinformation. The following research questions were asked: 1. What is Information Disorder? 2. What is the psychology of misinformation? 3. What role does social media play in spreading misinformation? 4. Why does the perpetuation of misinformation propose a threat? 5. Why is misinformation difficult to stop? After researching these questions through a literature review, visual analyses, and content analyses, a solution was created to raise awareness of social media algorithms and how they aid in the spread of misinformation by amplifying biases. An experiential pop-up exhibit was created that helps educate millennials on the spread of misinformation through interactive artwork. Research revealed that millennials, the target audience, learn and have better retention when exposed to a tactile environment. Therefore, the solution to combat the spread of misinformation due to confirmation bias was an interactive pop-up exhibit.
