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Northwestern University experts have issued a stark warning that the world is entering a destabilizing “post-moderation” era, where distinguishing truth from fiction has become increasingly difficult as social media platforms reduce content moderation and governments scale back counter-disinformation efforts.
The concerns will be addressed during a two-day symposium organized by Northwestern’s Center for Communication and Public Policy (CCPP) in partnership with the Kyiv-Mohyla Foundation of America and the Chicago Council on Global Affairs. The event brings together leading global experts, researchers, journalists, policymakers, fact-checking leaders, and national security specialists to examine how diminishing institutional safeguards are reshaping the global information ecosystem.
“This transition represents not just a policy shift, but a fundamental reordering of how societies determine what information can be trusted,” explained Erik Nisbet, Owen L. Coon Endowed Professor in Policy Analysis & Communication and founding director of CCPP. “As platforms defund fact-checking and governments wind down counter-disinformation programs, the responsibility for navigating truth and falsehood increasingly falls on individuals and communities.”
According to Nisbet, the symposium aims to develop strategies and cross-sector collaborations necessary to maintain trustworthy and credible information globally. This comes at a critical time when many tech companies have reduced their trust and safety teams while some governments have scaled back efforts to combat misinformation.
Deborah Cohen, director of the Roberta Buffett Institute for Global Affairs and Richard W. Leopold Professor of History, emphasized the broader implications of these changes. “Disinformation is an urgent threat to democratic and civic life around the world,” she noted. “The Roberta Buffett Institute is leveraging its position at the intersection of research and real-world practice to foster much-needed dialogue among industry, researchers and policymakers.”
The timing of this symposium is particularly significant, as 2024 marks a year with numerous major elections worldwide, including in the United States, India, and across the European Union. The ability to access reliable information during election periods is considered crucial for democratic processes, yet the current information landscape presents unprecedented challenges.
The symposium will begin with an opening plenary session on Thursday, January 22, from 5:15 to 6:45 p.m. at the Chicago Council on Global Affairs, located at One Prudential Plaza in Chicago. The event will continue on Friday, January 23, from 8:45 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. with panel discussions at the Roberta Buffett Institute for Global Affairs on Northwestern’s Evanston campus.
The gathering reflects increasing concern among academics and policy experts about the consequences of reduced content moderation. As platforms like Twitter (now X) have dramatically reduced their moderation teams and other tech companies have pursued similar cutbacks, researchers have observed increases in hate speech and misinformation on these platforms.
This symposium represents one of the first major academic efforts to systematically address what the post-moderation landscape means for democratic societies and to propose practical solutions for maintaining information integrity in this new environment.
The event is open to the public, though media representatives must RSVP to Stephen Lewis at Northwestern University by noon on Wednesday, January 21. Non-flash photography will be permitted at the event, but video recording is prohibited. Media unable to attend in person may register for an online option.
Northwestern’s initiative comes amid growing global concern about the effects of misinformation on public discourse, election integrity, and social cohesion. By bringing together diverse stakeholders from across sectors, the university hopes to develop practical frameworks for ensuring access to reliable information even as traditional gatekeeping mechanisms recede.
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10 Comments
The concerns raised in this article are deeply troubling. The transition to a ‘post-moderation’ era represents a fundamental shift in how we determine what information can be trusted. This symposium is a timely and necessary response to address these critical challenges.
I agree, it’s crucial that journalists, policymakers, and other stakeholders work together to find solutions. Restoring public trust in information sources should be a top priority, especially for technical and specialized domains like mining and commodities.
As someone who follows mining and commodities news, I’m curious to hear the perspectives of the experts at this symposium. Disinformation around energy, minerals, and related equities can have real-world consequences. Transparency and accuracy are vital.
That’s a good point. Disinformation in these sectors can sway markets, influence policies, and mislead investors. I hope the symposium provides concrete strategies for journalists to combat the spread of false narratives.
This is an important issue that extends beyond just the mining/commodities space. Reliable, trustworthy journalism is the bedrock of a healthy democracy. I’m glad to see experts from various backgrounds coming together to tackle the challenges of the ‘post-moderation’ era.
Absolutely. Preserving the integrity of information is critical, regardless of the subject matter. I hope the symposium leads to concrete steps that empower journalists and safeguard the public against the spread of disinformation.
Fascinating article on the challenges facing journalists in the ‘post-moderation’ era. Discerning truth from fiction has become increasingly difficult as content moderation and counter-disinformation efforts are scaled back. This symposium sounds like an important step in addressing these critical issues.
I agree, it’s concerning how the erosion of institutional safeguards is impacting the global information ecosystem. Maintaining trust in journalism is crucial, and this event brings together important voices to tackle these complex problems.
The ‘post-moderation’ era sounds like a worrying development. I appreciate Northwestern’s efforts to convene this interdisciplinary group to examine the implications and identify solutions. Fact-checking and counter-disinformation initiatives must remain robust, especially for technical industries like mining.
As someone with a keen interest in the mining industry, I’m looking forward to the insights that will emerge from this symposium. Navigating truth and fiction has become increasingly difficult, and I’m hopeful the experts can chart a path forward for journalists to uphold their vital role.