Spread of Misinformation Online: Simulation Impact of Social Media Newsgroups

Academic research shows increase reliance of online users on social media as a main source of news and information. Researchers found that young users are particularly inclined to believe what they read on social media without adequate verification of the information. There has been some research to study the spread of misinformation and identification of key variables in developing simulations of the process. Current literature on combating misinformation focuses on individuals and neglects social newsgroups - key players in the dissemination of information online. Using benchmark variables and values from the literature, the authors simulated the process using Biolayout; a big data-modeling tool. The results show social newsgroups have significant impact in the explosion of misinformation as well as combating misinformation. The outcome has helped better understand and visualize how misinformation travels in the spatial space of social media.