Professor of Computer Science Megan Squire offered insight for a New York Times article about misinformation circulating about the upcoming election and mounting tensions across the country.
The New York Times tapped Professor of Computer Science Megan Squire for insight on the dangers of misinformation in a recent report about the spread of false rumors ahead of Election Day 2020.
In the article, “Riled Up: Misinformation Stokes Calls for Violence on Election Day,” Times reporter Davey Alba highlights a series of claims garnering attention and going viral among online extremist groups. The report focuses on baseless rumors of a Democrat-led coup against President Trump on Election Day, lies about the destruction of ballots cast for Trump, and other false information related to this year’s election.
Squire, who researches online extremism, discussed the dangers of this misinformation and how it, along with recent statements by President Trump, could negatively impact Election Day.
“This is extremely concerning,” Squire told the Times, adding that false rumors are “giving violent vigilantes an excuse” that acting out in real life would be “in defense of democracy.”
The article goes on to discuss the efforts by social media companies like Facebook and Twitter to slow the spread of misinformation as Election Day approaches.
Read the entire New York Times report here.