As the 2020 election approaches, experts in social media and disinformation are sharing their predictions for what promises to be a chaotic and highly divisive political race. According to these experts, the spread of misinformation and disinformation on social media platforms will continue to play a significant role in shaping public opinion and influencing the outcome of the election.
One of the key predictions from these experts is that foreign actors will once again seek to interfere in the election by spreading divisive and misleading content on social media platforms. Russia, in particular, has been identified as a major player in efforts to influence the 2020 election, with experts warning that Russian operatives will continue to use social media to sow discord and confusion among American voters.
Another major concern raised by the experts is the potential for deepfake technology to be used to create and disseminate false information about political candidates. Deepfake videos, which use artificial intelligence to create realistic but completely fabricated footage, have the potential to deceive even the most discerning viewers and could be used to spread damaging falsehoods about candidates in the lead-up to the election.
In addition to these external threats, experts also predict that domestic actors will play a significant role in spreading misinformation on social media during the election season. Partisan groups and individuals with vested interests in the outcome of the election are expected to ramp up their efforts to manipulate public opinion and discredit their opponents using social media platforms.
Overall, these experts are warning that the 2020 election will be heavily influenced by the spread of misinformation and disinformation on social media, making it more important than ever for voters to critically evaluate the information they encounter online and seek out credible sources of news and information. With the stakes higher than ever, the need for vigilance in navigating the digital landscape has never been more urgent.
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