Diffusing Disinformation
The Department of Homeland Security states:
“In today’s information environment, the way consumers view facts, define truth, and categorize various types of information does not adhere to traditional rules.”
Disinformation impacts all of us, at every level of society. In response to these
domestic and foreign disinformation campaigns, Bristol responds with the second installment
of a year-long multi-disciplinary colloquium aimed at promoting critical thinking
skills by dissecting how mis/ and disinformation influence the world around us.
Schedule of Events:
Misinformation and the threat to our democracy: Why you can't tune out
Watch the recording of this event below.
September 22, 2021
Featuring: Mike Beaudet, WCVB-TV Investigative Reporter and Northeastern University Journalism Professor
These are unprecedented times. Our country is arguably more divided now than ever. Trust in the media has dropped to historically low levels, while misinformation runs rampant, especially on social media platforms. Let's be honest. Consuming news and information in 2021 can be exhausting. Sometimes it seems like it might be easier to just tune it all out. But during these challenging times, it's critically important to stay informed and engaged. In fact, the fate of our democracy depends on it. Join WCVB-TV Investigative Reporter and Northeastern University Journalism Professor Mike Beaudet as he discusses how misinformation is threatening our democracy and steps we can all take to become better-informed citizens.
Tracking extremism: The FBI and tracking the Capital rioters
Watch the recording of this event below.
October 4, 2021
Featuring: Steve Frechette, Assistant Professor of Cybersecurity/CIS
Since a mob of rioters stormed the U.S. Capitol on January 6, 2021, the FBI has arrested more than 600 individuals in connection with the siege, according to the Department of Justice. Hundreds of perpetrators are still at large. Prosecutors have called the case “unprecedented in scale” and the “most complex investigation ever prosecuted” by the Department of Justice. In this eye-opening presentation, learn how the FBI employs open-source intelligence techniques using our personal smartphone data to establish probable cause and bring the rioters to justice.
Dangerous ideas: Misinformation and stereotypes in history
Watch the recording of this event below.
October 25, 2021
Featuring: Ron Weisberger and Robyn Worthington
We are exposed to them every day. We learn them from our peers, from our families, and even from popular culture. Stereotypes are pervasive and powerful because they shape how we view our world. They also can determine how we act toward others. In this presentation, learn from historical events how seemingly “harmless” stereotypes can lead to prejudice, discrimination, and things even darker such as lynching and genocide. Participate in a discussion about the stereotypes with us today, and how we can learn from the past to create a more tolerant tomorrow.
Do your research: Misinformation, propaganda, and self-radicalization online
November 22, 2021, 11 a.m.
H209
Featuring: Emily Brown and Susan Souza-Mort
Propaganda has long been a tool used by the state to manipulate the masses; now propaganda and misinformation can be spread by anyone in real-time. People dive down rabbit holes on the internet, exposing themselves to a slurry of misinformation, lies, and outright propaganda which they take for truth. They claim they've "done their research," but all they've done is confirm their own biases. Join us for our discussion on how people consume, share, and self-radicalize using online forums and apps and how to avoid sinking into your own echo chamber.
Science communication to make science more equitable and inclusive
February 9, 2022, 2 p.m.
H209
Featuring: Mónica I. Feliú-Mójer
How we communicate science to the public is just as important as how we conduct it. Failing to account for diversity and inclusion in how we conduct and communicate science can create a perfect environment for miscommunication and disinformation to thrive in.
Dr. Mónica Feliú-Mójer will share her journey to becoming a science communicator, some of the lessons she has learned to help others bring their whole selves into both doing and communicating their science, and strategies to make science more inclusive through communication.
Uncomfortable conversations: A collaboration with Multicultural Affairs
March 21, 2022, 11 a.m.
H209
Featuring: Rob Delaleu
The hidden pandemic: Fact-checking in the era of pseudoscience and misinformation
April 11, 2022, 11 a.m.
H209
Featuring: Laura Hogan and Mary Rapien
For access, please contact the Office of Disability Services at 774.357.2955 or ODSaccess@BristolCC.edu.
For more information, contact Emily Z. Brown, colloquium coordinator, at 774.357.3040 or Emily.Brown@BristolCC.edu.