Reining in the Spread of Political Misinformation and Disinformation

Abstract

This case study examines the rise and impact of political misinformation and disinformation, with a focus on the 2016 U.S. election and the evolving role of social media platforms. It distinguishes disinformation—deliberately false information—from misinformation, which is shared unintentionally. Both forms exploit users’ cognitive shortcuts, partisan cues, and limited media literacy. Social media’s scale and speed amplify these dynamics, making platforms central to the spread of falsehoods. The case details how actors like Russia’s Internet Research Agency used bots and trolls to sow division and manipulate public discourse, though studies suggest the influence on voter behavior was limited and concentrated among already polarized groups. Nevertheless, the problem has grown, with misinformation shaping public opinion on COVID-19, vaccines, and racial issues. The study invites reflection on the balance between free speech and responsible platform governance, the ethical obligations of Big Tech, and the need for potential regulation. It also explores how misinformation challenges democratic processes, introduces negative externalities in digital capitalism, and invites both domestic and international risks to civic trust and national sovereignty.