Award Abstract # 2137871
NSF Convergence Accelerator Track F: A Disinformation Range to Improve User Awareness and Resilience to Online Disinformation

NSF Org: ITE
Innovation and Technology Ecosystems
Recipient: RESEARCH FOUNDATION FOR THE STATE UNIVERSITY OF NEW YORK, THE
Initial Amendment Date: September 20, 2021
Latest Amendment Date: September 20, 2021
Award Number: 2137871
Award Instrument: Standard Grant
Program Manager: Mike Pozmantier
mpozmant@nsf.gov
 (703)292-4475
ITE
 Innovation and Technology Ecosystems
TIP
 Dir for Tech, Innovation, & Partnerships
Start Date: October 1, 2021
End Date: September 30, 2023 (Estimated)
Total Intended Award Amount: $750,000.00
Total Awarded Amount to Date: $750,000.00
Funds Obligated to Date: FY 2021 = $750,000.00
History of Investigator:
  • Siwei Lyu (Principal Investigator)
    siweilyu@buffalo.edu
  • Rohini Srihari (Co-Principal Investigator)
  • Darren Linvill (Co-Principal Investigator)
  • Anita Nikolich (Co-Principal Investigator)
  • David Castillo (Co-Principal Investigator)
Recipient Sponsored Research Office: SUNY at Buffalo
520 LEE ENTRANCE STE 211
AMHERST
NY  US  14228-2577
(716)645-2634
Sponsor Congressional District: 26
Primary Place of Performance: SUNY at Buffalo
Buffalo
NY  US  14228-2567
Primary Place of Performance
Congressional District:
26
Unique Entity Identifier (UEI): LMCJKRFW5R81
Parent UEI: GMZUKXFDJMA9
NSF Program(s): Convergence Accelerator Resrch
Primary Program Source: 01002122DB NSF RESEARCH & RELATED ACTIVIT
Program Reference Code(s):
Program Element Code(s): 131Y
Award Agency Code: 4900
Fund Agency Code: 4900
Assistance Listing Number(s): 47.083

ABSTRACT

The unprecedented spread of disinformation, false information intentionally created to manipulate public opinions, is the flip-side of the Internet?s promise of universal access and information democratization. The presence of false and/or misleading information in the media ecosystem erodes trust in legitimate sources of information and poses a significant threat to society. We posit that enhancing user awareness and building resilience are the keys to combating disinformation, as ?inoculated? users can form the first line of defense against the spread of corrupted and misleading information. The overarching goal of our Disinformation Range (DRange) project is the development of a research/educational platform with integrated digital tools, advanced pedagogical techniques, and timely materials to increase disinformation awareness and improve user resilience, so as to inoculate them against the impact of harmful disinformation, and further prevent its spread.

DRange will facilitate the pursuit of high impact goals in three overarching categories: 1) developing flexible technologies and culturally responsive group learning activities to facilitate communal examination and discussion of false and misleading information and inauthentic online behaviors in safe and familiar settings; 2) conducting transdisciplinary research to advance our understanding of the impact of dis/misinformation; and 3) identifying and implementing preventive (?immunization?) strategies and mitigation practices. DRange is envisioned as a comprehensive learning process that interweaves facilitated discussions, collaborative games, and group activities, supported by a flexible and adaptable technical platform that uses simulated (or de-toxed) disinformation to both encourage critical conversations about online risks and vulnerabilities, and cultivate user resilience. DRange will be designed, developed and structured in collaboration with community partners to foster group interactions in diverse settings (e.g., classrooms, after school activities, public libraries, summer camps, senior and community centers, etc.).

This award reflects NSF's statutory mission and has been deemed worthy of support through evaluation using the Foundation's intellectual merit and broader impacts review criteria.

PROJECT OUTCOMES REPORT

Disclaimer

This Project Outcomes Report for the General Public is displayed verbatim as submitted by the Principal Investigator (PI) for this award. Any opinions, findings, and conclusions or recommendations expressed in this Report are those of the PI and do not necessarily reflect the views of the National Science Foundation; NSF has not approved or endorsed its content.

The unprecedented spread of disinformation, false information intentionally created to manipulate public opinions, is the flip-side of the Internet?s promise of universal access and information democratization. The presence of false and/or misleading information in the media ecosystem erodes trust in legitimate sources of information and poses a significant threat to society. We posit that enhancing user awareness and building resilience are the keys to combating disinformation, as ?inoculated? users can form the first line of defense against the spread of corrupted and misleading information. The overarching goal of our Disinformation Range (DRange) project is the development of a research/educational platform with integrated digital tools, advanced pedagogical techniques, and timely materials to increase disinformation awareness and improve user resilience, so as to inoculate them against the impact of harmful disinformation, and further prevent its spread.

DRange will facilitate the pursuit of high impact goals in three overarching categories: 1) developing flexible technologies and culturally responsive group learning activities to facilitate communal examination and discussion of false and misleading information and inauthentic online behaviors in safe and familiar settings; 2) conducting transdisciplinary research to advance our understanding of the impact of dis/misinformation; and 3) identifying and implementing preventive strategies and mitigation practices. DRange is envisioned as a comprehensive learning process that interweaves facilitated discussions, collaborative games, and group activities, supported by a flexible and adaptable technical platform that uses simulated (or de-toxed) disinformation to both encourage critical conversations about online risks and vulnerabilities, and cultivate user resilience. DRange will be designed, developed and structured in collaboration with community partners to foster group interactions in diverse settings (e.g., classrooms, after school activities, public libraries, summer camps, senior and community centers, etc.).

During the project period, we have conducted several rounds of user interviews. Based on our user interviews, we have shifted our focus from disinformation to broader online deceptions, and specifically focused on the older adults who are one of the most vulnerable users to online deceptions. We changed the project name from Disinformation range (D-Range) to Deception Awareness and Resilience Training (DART). The project’s impact is summarized in the following video
https://youtu.be/NRWOQ7oJwlw, and a scenario of the DART system is demonstrated with the following video https://youtu.be/wcwpv-xFFT4.

This Project Outcomes Report for the General Public is displayed verbatim as submitted by the Principal Investigator (PI) for this award. Any opinions, findings, and conclusions or recommendations expressed in this Report are those of the PI and do not necessarily reflect the views of the National Science Foundation; NSF has not approved or endorsed its content.


Last Modified: 11/05/2023
Modified by: Siwei Lyu

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