A case for Twitter literacy

Evaluating Misinformation on Twitter
Brainstorming Ideas
By Erica Holt

Topics to Cover
How Information Spreads on Twitter
How Misinformation Spreads: Moldova Riots
Applying Digital Media Literacy

How Information Spreads on Twitter
One tweet leads to many more tweets.
Credit: http://nctrower.wordpress.com/2008/10/28/twitter-marketing-strategies/

Who Cares?
Percent of Americans who have heard of Twitter
Source: 2010 Edison Research

Moldova Riots
In April 2009, anti-communist protestors organize rallies on Twitter and Facebook, claiming elections were rigged.
Violence breaks out.

Moldova Riots
A blog, Save Moldova, posts a photo claiming conspirators and policemen are working together.
Conspiracy theories run rampant on Twitter.

Moldova Riots
A.Did communists manipulate protestors into violence by hoisting an EU flag on Moldovan Parliament?
B. Or did real protestors escorted by police hoist the flag in attempt to quell crowds?
Credit: France24 International News http://observers.france24.com/en/content/20090409-moldova-riots-beware-misinformation-twitter

The Answer?
B. Protesters were responsible.

How Did this Happen?
Misinformation spreads on Twitter because:
Messages are 140 characters short.
It’s easy to “re-tweet” in one click.

What Can We Do?
Credit: http://trisharoque.multiply.com/

Detecting Twitter Misinformation
Who is the source?
Does the source often make similar claims?
Has anyone else verified the claims?
Has anyone tried to disprove the claims?

A Case for a Final Project
Examine the literature: how and why does
misinformation spread online?
Analyze other case studies such as Moldova.
Create a multimedia presentation on
Twitter literacy.

Questions?
Contact me: http://www.twitter.com/ericaholt
Credit: http://www.flickr.com/photos/oberazzi/318947873/

A case for Twitter literacy

by Erica Holt on Jun 26, 2010

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A case for Twitter literacy — Presentation Transcript

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