Abstract
The growing dissemination of disinformation and misinformation poses a substantial threat to national security in the United States. Disinformation is the purposeful broadcast of incorrect information, whereas misinformation is the unintended spread of inaccuracy. With the rise of social media, the traditional model of media consumption has been changed, allowing users to create, share, and amplify material, which is frequently guided by algorithms that emphasize personal preferences. This new dynamic allows disinformation to spread more swiftly, potentially affecting political processes, elections, cybersecurity, and military operations. Social media sites such as Facebook have faced criticism for failing to prevent dangerous content from spreading, despite acknowledging the challenge of filtering user-generated content. Meanwhile, efforts to regulate and prevent disinformation, such as the Honest Ads Act and international initiatives like the European Union's Digital Services Act, underscore the challenges of maintaining openness and accountability in digital domains. The unregulated nature of online platforms, as well as their susceptibility to manipulation, have reduced public faith in the media. Government initiatives, such as promoting media literacy and enacting new legislation, are critical in combating this issue and restoring trust in the media. However, the continuous evolution of digital technology, such as AI-driven misinformation, creates continual issues. The research examines the roles of domestic and international actors in tackling these challenges and makes recommendations for enhancing media literacy in order to defend national security and democratic values.
Language: English
Published on: Mar 20, 2025
Published by: University of North Georgia
In partnership with: Paradigm Publishing Services
© 2025 Claudia Marban, published by University of North Georgia
This work is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.