NSF Org: |
ITE Innovation and Technology Ecosystems |
Recipient: |
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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: |
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History of Investigator: |
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Recipient Sponsored Research Office: |
520 LEE ENTRANCE STE 211 AMHERST NY US 14228-2577 (716)645-2634 |
Sponsor Congressional District: |
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Primary Place of Performance: |
Buffalo NY US 14228-2567 |
Primary Place of Performance Congressional District: |
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Unique Entity Identifier (UEI): |
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Parent UEI: |
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NSF Program(s): | Convergence Accelerator Resrch |
Primary Program Source: |
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Program Reference Code(s): | |
Program Element Code(s): |
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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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