Just Asking Questions: Framing Misinformation with Uncertainty

• In Event: Misinformation and its discontents

Brief Overview

In this paper we consider a strategy of spreading misinformation and conspiracy theories whereby spreaders ask questions (e.g., “is Obama Muslim?”) rather than state mistruths outright (“Obama is Muslim”).

Authors

• Brian Guay, Duke University

• Ashley K Blum, Massachusetts Institute of Technology

• Adam J. Berinsky, Massachusetts Institute of Technology

• Eyal I Hanfling, Massachusetts Institute of Technology

• David Rand, Massachusetts Institute of Technology