Researchers Propose Simple Method to Combat Misinformation Online

New research from the University of Copenhagen suggests that making it slightly more difficult to share content on social media could be an effective strategy to combat the spread of misinformation. This study highlights how platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and X (formerly Twitter) have made sharing content incredibly easy, leading to the rapid spread of fake news alongside harmless posts like cat videos and cake recipes.

The researchers found that misinformation tends to spread faster than reliable information, primarily due to social media algorithms prioritizing sensational content. To address this issue, the study proposes that introducing a small digital friction—such as a pop-up message—could encourage users to think twice before sharing potentially misleading information.

Introducing Digital Frictions

Ph.D. student Laura Jahn, the lead author of the study, explains the rationale behind the proposal: “Our idea is to introduce a small pause in the sharing process to make people reflect on what they’re sharing before clicking the button.” Jahn collaborated with Professor Vincent F. Hendricks to develop a computer model that simulates how information spreads across various social media platforms, including Bluesky and Mastodon. The findings indicate that even a minor barrier can significantly reduce the number of shares.

While the model shows promise in limiting the spread of misinformation, it also reveals that simply adding friction may not enhance the overall quality of the content being shared. To mitigate this, the researchers integrated a learning element into their model. When users attempt to share a post, they could encounter a pop-up quiz that prompts them to consider questions such as: “How is misinformation defined?” and “What measures does this platform take to limit fake news?”

The Path Forward

By coupling digital friction with a learning component, the researchers found that the average quality of shared posts improved markedly. “When friction is combined with learning, the average quality of shared posts increases significantly,” noted Hendricks.

The next phase of research involves testing whether this strategy produces similar results in real-world settings. Jahn and Hendricks express hope that their findings will inspire major technology companies to innovate in the fight against misinformation. They suggest that collaboration with a prominent social media platform could provide valuable insights into user engagement with low-quality content and enhance users’ ability to recognize misinformation in practical situations.

In the event that partnering with a major platform proves unfeasible, the researchers plan to utilize simulated platforms available for research purposes to further test their model.

In a digital age increasingly plagued by misinformation, the findings from the University of Copenhagen could serve as a crucial step toward fostering a more informed online community.