Our mission is to resist strategic misinformation, promote an informed society, and strengthen democratic discourse.

RESEARCH

A black and white photo of a group of people eating dinner and talking.

Misinformation is more than just bad facts: How and why people spread rumors is key to understanding how false information travels and takes root

10.31.2024

Through the course of our research we have learned that despite all the discussion about misinformation being a problem of bad facts, most misleading election rumors stem not from false or manipulated evidence but from misinterpretations and mischaracterizations. In other words, the CIP’s Kate Starbird and Stephen Prochaska write in The Conversation the problem is not just about bad facts but also faulty frames, or the mental structures people rely on to interpret those facts.

A voting precinct with privacy dividers showing the American flag with the word "Vote"

‘What to expect when we’re electing’ series

Our “What to expect when we’re electing” series features articles introducing conceptual tools for understanding election rumoring (both in general and specifically in online settings) and for anticipating the types of rumors and tactics that we expect to see during different phases of the upcoming election. 

Making the case: Evidence generation infrastructure in the 2024 election

10.29.2024

2024 ELECTION RUMOR RESEARCH | Self-described election integrity organizations have developed new tools and repurposed existing infrastructure, including phone apps, to encourage the capture and digital sharing of “evidence” of perceived election fraud. This infrastructure is strategically deployed to gather alleged “evidence” of voter fraud and use that evidence — often in misleading ways — to motivate and mobilize political and legal action. This process of motivating, gathering, and using alleged evidence of election fraud appears to be part of a political strategy facilitated by what we call “evidence generation infrastructure.” | Read our analysis

EVENTS

State of Trust

Webinar: ‘State of Trust: Washington’s Political Climate and Voter Priorities’ 

10.22.2024

What is the current level of trust in our electoral system? What do Washingtonians see as the top priorities for their elected officials? How do they view candidates running for state and federal office? The Seattle Times’ Claire Withycombe joins Center for an Informed Public research manager Danielle Lee Tomson to analyze key findings from the WA Poll, a statewide public opinion survey co-sponsored by the CIP, The Seattle Times and KING5 TV. Tune in online as they offer insights into what these findings reveal about November’s elections, the state of democracy and the future political climate in Washington state. Hanson Hosein moderates the panel.

EDUCATION

Fostering a more informed public through media literacy education in WA classrooms and communities 

VIDEO |  AUGUST 2024

At the CIP, we’re proud of our efforts to support multidisciplinary research and the development of educational programming and information literacy resources. Our work not only supports a more informed public, but also has inspired teachers, librarians, and other educators to apply these lessons and skills in their classrooms and communities across Washington and beyond. In a CIP-produced video, we share highlights from our annual MisinfoDay educational event for high school students, teachers and other educators; our Loki’s Loop educational gaming development work at the UW Information School; and support of intergenerational learning opportunities that bring students together with the adults in their lives and communities.

Break-free in a misinformation themed escape room

RESOURCES 

Loki’s Loop games, including the Euphorigen Investigation, immerse people in an interactive escape room of manipulated media, social media bots, deepfakes, and other forms of deception to learn about misinformation. These games, a research project from the University of Washington’s Center for an Informed Public in partnership with the UW Technology & Social Change Group, UW GAMER Research Group and Puzzle Break, are designed to improve people’s awareness of misinformation tactics and generate reflection on the emotional triggers and psychological biases that make misinformation so powerful. Loki’s Loop games are available for libraries, schools, and organizations with an educational mission, in both online and in-person versions.

PEOPLE

Madeline Jalbert

CIP’s Madeline Jalbert continuing postdoctoral work through new NSF fellowship funding

10.17.2024

Madeline Jalbert, a Center for an Informed Public postdoctoral scholar based at the Information School, is continuing her research at the CIP thanks to a postdoctoral research fellowship awarded by the National Science Foundation’s Directorate for Social, Behavioral and Economic Sciences.

Jason C. Young selected for 2024 CIP Robert Mason Outstanding Mentorship award

AWARDS

The ability to connect with and understand others is an important quality for mentorship. It’s something that comes naturally to University of Washington Information School senior research scientist Jason C. Young, who was recently recognized by his peers at the Center for an Informed Public with the 2024 CIP Robert Mason Outstanding Mentorship Award, which is intended to highlight the work of individuals making a significant positive impact on others and the CIP community. 

CIP Updates

 

 

“It’s one of the most  important problems of our time that we as a society need to solve. This is not a left or right issue. This is an issue that transcends political boundaries. Everyone wants to get this right.”

— Jevin West, Co-Founder and Inaugural Director

 

CONFRONTING MISINFORMATION

The spread of misinformation is among the most pressing challenges of our time. New platforms for human interaction and information sharing have opened the door to misinformation, disinformation and other forms of networked manipulation, which not only mislead and create divisions, but also diminish trust in democratic institutions such as science and journalism. The nonpartisan Center for an Informed Public at the University of Washington brings diverse voices from across industry, government, nonprofits and other institutions together to confront the problem through our research, education, policy and engagement efforts. Learn More

WHAT WE DO

RESEARCH

We support cutting-edge research with a strong focus on research to practice, which spans disciplines from sociology to information science and law.

EDUCATION

We educate information consumers across the demographic landscape in order to make more informed decisions.

LAW & POLICY

We address information policy through generative analyses of the legal frameworks and the available levers for intervention.

ENGAGEMENT

We engage directly with the public in collaboration with our partners, libraries and community leaders.

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