Improving Social Media Content Moderation: An Examination of the Flow of Online Conspiracy Theories across Varying Platform Models and Policies

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  • April 28, 2022
Creator
  • Lanteri, Caroline
    • College of Arts and Sciences, Department of Public Policy
Abstract
  • Misinformation, disinformation, and conspiracy theories have become increasingly prevalent on social media in recent years. This research focuses on two conspiracy theories that have resulted in deadly offline violence and their spread across social media platforms. It aims to uncover the ways in which social media platform models impact the evolution of conspiracy theories and identify areas for the improvement of content moderation. Through a case study approach, this thesis maps the evolution of the Great Replacement and Stop the Steal conspiracy theories. The Great Replacement refers to the idea that there is a deliberate plot to replace or rid of the world’s white population. Stop the Steal claims that election fraud in the 2020 U.S. presidential election removed votes for former president and purported rightful winner, Donald Trump. The findings indicate that the massive reach of mainstream social media platforms and lack of oversight on fringe social media platforms create a flow of conspiracy theories from mainstream to fringe platforms. Extremist groups have a particular foothold on fringe platforms, and the conspiracy theories show a sharp escalation in extremism when they reach fringe platforms. Key actors on mainstream platforms, including right-wing news media outlets, draw in users to the conspiracy theory ideology and connect them to organized communities, where they are further directed toward fringe platform communities and greater radicalization. These findings provide insight related to opportunities for improved content moderation, including greater scrutiny of the most popular platform users, news media outlets, previously problematic groups, and especially linked content such as websites, blogs, or other platforms. Social media content shapes public discourse, and platforms have both the opportunity and the social responsibility to mediate the ways that this can be dangerous and even inspire offline violence.
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  • In Copyright
Advisor
  • Rubalcaba, Joaquin
    • College of Arts and Sciences, Department of Public Policy
Degree
  • Bachelor of Arts
Graduation year
  • 2022
Language
  • English

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