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Investigating the Effects of Misinformation as Infopathogens: Developing a Model and Thought Experiment

Author

Listed:
  • Roger D. Magarey

    (Center for Integrated Pest Management, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC 27606, USA)

  • Thomas M. Chappell

    (Department of Plant Pathology and Microbiology, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843, USA)

  • Kayla Pack Watson

    (Center for Integrated Pest Management, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC 27606, USA)

Abstract

Previously, it has been shown that transmissible and harmful misinformation can be viewed as pathogenic, potentially contributing to collective social epidemics. In this study, a biological analogy is developed to allow investigative methods that are applied to biological epidemics to be considered for adaptation to digital and social ones including those associated with misinformation. The model’s components include infopathogens, tropes, cognition, memes, and phenotypes. The model can be used for diagnostic, pathologic, and synoptic/taxonomic study of the spread of misinformation. A thought experiment based on a hypothetical riot is used to understand how disinformation spreads.

Suggested Citation

  • Roger D. Magarey & Thomas M. Chappell & Kayla Pack Watson, 2024. "Investigating the Effects of Misinformation as Infopathogens: Developing a Model and Thought Experiment," Social Sciences, MDPI, vol. 13(6), pages 1-17, May.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jscscx:v:13:y:2024:i:6:p:300-:d:1406612
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