The Spreading of Misinformation

How misinformation gets around can be effectively described using mathematical models designed to simulate the spread of pathogens, writes David Robert Grimes from the School of Medicine, and Sander Van Der Linden at University of Cambridge.

We’re increasingly aware of how misinformation can influence elections. About 73% of Americans report seeing misleading election news, and about half struggle to discern what is true or false.

When it comes to misinformation, “going viral” appears to be more than a simple catchphrase. Scientists have found a close analogy between the spread of misinformation and the spread of viruses. In fact, how misinformation gets around can be effectively described using mathematical models designed to simulate the spread of pathogens.

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