Elections in Spain (08:16)

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In October 2017, a referendum vote for Catalan independence was blocked; police violently interrupted peaceful protests. Social media platforms circulated events in real time; news networks used footage in reports.

Empowering People (02:44)

Annenberg School for Communication students study how social platforms and networks use citizens as loudspeakers. They discuss their value of journalism and accessing information otherwise unavailable.

Accountability and Fake News (04:52)

Freedom House Director Adrian Shahbaz compares how social media organized people and disseminated information during Arab Spring and the Catalonia elections; political messages became amplified. Global crises contribute to tribal attitudes, making the public vulnerable to those undermining the press.

Emotional Contagion (06:51)

First Draft News offers citizens ways to detect disinformation; stories spread more quickly when the provoke intense feelings. Social media can be used to spread rumors and falsehoods; increases in fake news triggers the formation of fact checking organizations worldwide.

Journalism and Propaganda (07:53)

Opinion Video Director Adam Ellick uses social media to stay in touch with audiences, asserting that the "New York Times" adheres to standards and verification processes. First Draft News Founder Claire Wardle calls for public education on disinformation detection; politicians actively use apps to guide online narratives.

Network Responsibility (05:43)

News consumption through WhatsApp has grown worldwide. Violence has resulted from disinformation shared on the platform, triggering ad campaigns fighting fake news. Computer engineers suggest industry regulated solutions, citing successes in curbing SPAM.

Government Responsibility (03:22)

Social media platforms are global; complicating regulations and financial incentives does not encourage networks to reform. Some politicians use social media to regulate free speech, push agendas, and label genuine footage as fake news.

Official Report (02:20)

On January 2018, the European Commission enlists a high-level expert group on fake news to provide citizens with better ways to navigate internet platforms. Their research reveals the need to increase education and that regulation creates problems concerning censorship, privacy, and information access.

Restricting Access (04:14)

Freedom House reports a decline in internet freedoms worldwide; governments use networks to stay in power and monitor citizens. In Iran, most social media platforms are blocked; users are often arrested or intimidated by authorities.

Future of Networking (03:22)

Social media has revolutionized public communication. Some experts believe that citizens must be pragmatic about information and not allow fake news to cause division. Others believe that a more efficient means of communication will replace the technology.

Credits: Battle of Social Networks (00:46)

Credits: Battle of Social Networks