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Glossary
Algorithm(s): “A step-by-step procedure for accomplishing a problem or accomplishing some end,” often used “for solving a mathematical problem… in a finite number of steps that frequently involves repetition of an operation” (Merriam-Webster, n.d.). Algorithms are a key component of AI and generative AI.
Bias: Bias is a disproportionate weight in favor of or against an idea or thing, usually in a way that is closed-minded, prejudicial, or unfair. Biases can be innate or learned. People may develop biases for or against an individual, a group, or a belief.
Bots: Bots are social media accounts that are operated entirely by computer programs and are designed to generate posts and/or engage with content on a particular platform. In disinformation campaigns, bots can be used to draw attention to misleading narratives, to hijack platforms’ trending lists, and to create the illusion of public discussion and support (Howard & Bence, 2016).
Clickbait: “Something (such as a headline) designed to make readers want to click on a hyperlink especially when the link leads to content of dubious value or interest” (Merriam-Webster, n.d.).
Confirmation Bias: Seeking and/or interpreting evidence in ways that are partial to any existing beliefs, expectations, or a hypothesis (Nickerson, 1998, p. 175); Accepting something that agree with your world view (regardless of if it is true or fake) and rejecting all other evidence (even if it is true) if it contradicts your worldview (Agarwal & Alseedi, 2021, p. 643); A tendency and/or inclination to process information in a way that confirms our pre-existing beliefs (Reed et al., 2019, p. 217).
Deep Fakes: Deepfake(s) is the term currently being used to describe fabricated media produced using artificial intelligence. By synthesizing different elements of existing video or audio files, AI enables relatively easy methods for creating ‘new’ content, in which individuals appear to speak words and perform actions, which are not based on reality. Deepfakes typically manifest as "synthetic media wherein one person's face is replaced with another" (Pocol et al., 2024, p. 427).
Disinformation: Disinformation is false information that is deliberately created or disseminated with the express purpose to cause harm. Producers of disinformation typically have political, financial, psychological, or social motivations.
Echo Chamber: A space, whether tangible or online, wherein individuals are primarily exposed to confirming opinions (Flaxman et al., 2016).
Filter Bubbles: A phenomenon wherein “algorithms inadvertently amplify ideological segregation by automatically recommending content an individual is likely to agree with (Flaxman et al., 2016, p. 299).
Information: The content, or messages, of all meaningful communication (McQuail & Deuze, 2020).
Lateral Reading: The act of using additional resources to doublecheck information. Digital resources are particularly important for this (Nygren & Guath, 2021, p. 2).
Misinformation: Misinformation is information that is false, but not intended to cause harm. For example, individuals who don’t know a piece of information is false may spread it on social media in an attempt to be helpful.
Social media: Any form “of electronic communication (such as websites for social networking and microblogging) through which users create online communities to share information, ideas, personal messages, and other content (such as videos)” (Merriam-Webster, n.d.).
Verification: Verification is the process of determining the authenticity of information.
Definitions quoted from University of Calgary Research Guide
