Digital Guardian: Harnessing AI to Devalue False Information and Protect Public Discourse on Social Media
Primary Investigator:
Gene Spafford
Nicholas Harrell
Abstract
Social media, though used for sharing stories, ideas, and trends, has become a battleground for nefarious entities manipulating public discourse on critical issues. This manipulation, often fueled by viral false information, erodes trust in government, breeds conspiracies, and disrupts critical events like elections and emergency response. Existing research focuses heavily on the emotional appeal of viral content, neglecting the crucial roles of initial discovery context and value alignment within target audiences. This project bridges these gaps by leveraging state-of-the-art artificial intelligence tools to measure online values and their alignment with shared content. By predicting the virality potential based on value alignment, we empower security analyst and policymakers to 1) detect and mitigate foreign disinformation campaigns early, 2) proactively counter harmful narratives with targeted communication, 3) design interventions based on specific community value profiles, and 4) develop public education campaigns promoting critical online thinking. This research holds immense value for policymakers as it equips them with the tools to safeguard national security in the face of evolving online threats.