36. How Misinformation on Social Media Deepens Family and Community Conflicts in the UK
In the United Kingdom, the Brexit debate intensifies family and community divides, particularly in areas like London and Manchester. Social media platforms like Twitter and Facebook become battlegrounds where misinformation about the impacts of Brexit is rampant. Family members like the Smiths in Manchester find themselves at odds, with younger members favoring Remain and older members swayed by Leave propaganda.
Individual outcomes
Individuals within families and communities, like the Smiths, experience strained relationships and emotional stress. The echo chamber effect, where you encounter information that aligns with your existing beliefs, and the preference to use anecdotal evidence or unconfirmed facts, reduces the quality of information that individuals receive and limits their opinions and choices.
Societal outcomes
Societally, misinformation leads to a polarised and divided public, affecting democratic discourse and national unity.
Competences involved in this scenario:
Social systems affected by this scenario:
S8. Potential harm
D2. Echo chambers and info bubbles
M7. Evaluation of multiple sources
Political Systems
Media
Educational Institutions