Lecture

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To Read

Disinformation in the Global South by Herman Wasserman and Dani Madrid-Morales Eds (Chapters 10 and 12)

Disinformation in the Global South

A timely and incisive exploration of disinformation and its impact in the Global South   In Disinformation in the Global South, media and communications scholars Herman Wasserman and Dani Madrid-Morales deliver a unique and geographically diverse collection of perspectives on the phenomenon of disinformation as it manifests in the Global South. In many parts of the Global South, coordinated political disinformation campaigns, rumor, and propaganda have long been a part of the social fabric, even before disinformation has become an area of scholarship in the Global North. The way disinformation manifests in this region, and responses to it, can therefore be highly instructive for readers around the world.  Through case studies and comparative analyses, the book explores the impact of disinformation in Africa, Latin America, the Arab World and Asia. The chapters in this book discuss the similarities and differences of disinformation in different regions and provide a broad thematic overview of the phenomenon as it manifests across the Global South. After analyzing core concepts, theories and histories from Southern perspectives, contributors explore the experiences of media users and the responses to disinformation by various social actors drawing on examples from a dozen countries. Disinformation in the Global South also includes: A thorough introduction to Southern perspectives on national histories, theories of disinformation, and research methods in disinformation studies Global case studies of cultures of disinformation, including ethnographic insights into how audiences engage with disinformation Comprehensive explorations of responses to online and offline disinformation, including discussions of news literacy and the management of disinformation A valuable resource for scholars of disinformation everywhere, as well as senior undergraduate and graduate students in courses covering transnational or global perspectives to communication studies, Disinformation in the Global South is also an ideal reference for anyone studying or working in media or journalism.

onlinelibrary.wiley.com

In Chapters 10 and 12 of Disinformation in the Global South, Wasserman and Madrid-Morales explore the critical role of technology companies and the varied responses from governments and civil society in addressing disinformation. Chapter 10 critiques how social media platforms, primarily designed for Western contexts, struggle with content moderation and algorithmic biases that amplify disinformation in the Global South. The chapter calls for more responsible practices and effective policy measures to address these challenges. Chapter 12 examines governmental and civil society initiatives, highlighting a spectrum of responses—from repressive regulations to proactive media literacy campaigns. The authors stress the need for context-sensitive strategies that recognize the unique socio-political environments of the Global South, arguing that one-size-fits-all solutions are inadequate.

• Algorithmic Bias: The tendency of algorithms, particularly those used by social media platforms, to favor certain types of content—often sensational or polarizing—over others, which can inadvertently contribute to the spread of disinformation.
• Fact-Checking Initiatives: Organized efforts, often by civil society groups, to verify the accuracy of information in the media. These initiatives are crucial in countering disinformation, particularly in regions where official information may be unreliable or politically motivated.
• Platform Governance: The rules, policies, and practices established by technology companies to regulate content on their platforms. Effective platform governance is essential to mitigating the spread of disinformation, especially in complex media environments like those in the Global South.

To Watch

To Write

• How do technology companies’ content moderation practices (or lack thereof) affect the spread of disinformation in the Global South? What are some of the unique challenges these companies face when operating in these regions?
• Think about the role of algorithms and the resources available to social media platforms in non-Western contexts. Consider how cultural and linguistic diversity complicates the task of content moderation and the unintended consequences this can have.
• What are some of the potential risks and benefits of government involvement in combating disinformation? How can governments balance the need to control harmful content with the need to protect freedom of expression?
• Reflect on the dual-edged nature of governmental responses to disinformation. While some regulations are necessary to curb harmful content, others may be used to stifle dissent. How can these responses be made more effective and just?
• Why is media literacy considered a key tool in the fight against disinformation in the Global South? How can civil society initiatives complement governmental efforts to reduce the impact of disinformation?
• Consider the role of education and grassroots initiatives in empowering people to recognize and challenge disinformation. How do these efforts differ from top-down approaches, and why might they be more effective in certain contexts?

Facilitation Schedule

In Class

The Trauma Floor

"I’m fucked up."

www.theverge.com

Find a case study related to content moderation, disinformation, or platform governance in your assigned region. Examples include Taiwan's digital democracy initiatives, content moderation during Nigeria's #EndSARS movement, the implications of the EU's Digital Services Act, or Facebook's role in ethnic violence in Ethiopia.

Analyze your chosen case study by summarizing the main issues and events, identifying key stakeholders such as tech companies, governments, NGOs, and users, and discussing the challenges faced along with the strategies employed.

Relate your findings to "The Trauma Floor" by comparing the experiences of content moderators, contrasting the operational and ethical considerations, and exploring how global contexts alter the dynamics of content moderation.

Finally, prepare an outline or bullet points that highlight the key points of your case study, the insights gained from your comparison, and any potential solutions or recommendations you can suggest.