Trusting Information on Social Media: What Does Epistemic Engagement Look Like?

• In Event: Exploring How Identity and Epistemic Engagement Shape Learning

Abstract

On social media, people may incidentally encounter evocative information on heated issues. In such misinformation-prone environments, we examined what epistemic engagement looks like and how it might be captured using qualitative methods via a simulated environment. We collected data via cognitive semi-structured interviews and screen recording from 13 undergraduates. Drawing from literature examining epistemic engagement in other online settings, we developed a codebook for epistemic aims, ideals and processes; emerging codes were also captured. We found that the majority of participants aimed to gather additional information; few ventured outside the social media environment. Participants relied on ideals related to source evaluation to assess the post’s trustworthiness; evidence was hardly mentioned. We discuss emerging themes and future research directions.

Authors

• Christiana Varda, UCLan Cyprus

• Eleni A. Kyza, Cyprus University of Technology

• Clark A. Chinn, Rutgers University