Voices of Australia Podcast | Truth, Trust & Politics | Episode 5 | From Fear to Misinformation: The Politics of Social Media

The Spread of Misinformation: Lessons from the Voice to Parliament Referendum In this episode, Mary Gearin interviews Andrea Carson, who unpacks the complexities of misinformation and disinformation, particularly in the lead-up to the Voice to Parliament referendum.

Drawing on her extensive research, Andrea Carson examines how social media has reshaped political discourse, creating an environment where falsehoods can spread rapidly and influence public perception.

Professor Andrea Carson explores the challenges of regulating misinformation, the role of fact-checking and media literacy, and the responsibility of political leaders in shaping public trust.

In an era where trust in media and institutions is fragile, Andrea Carson argues that empowering the public with critical thinking skills is key to safeguarding democracy.

Chapters

00:00 Mapping the Information Ecosystem

02:53 The Impact of Misinformation on Politics

05:53 Regulating Misinformation and Disinformation

08:59 The Role of Fact-Checking in Trust

12:05 Youth, Social Media Literacy, and Trust

14:51 The Future of Political Discourse and Trust