How to Report Misleading and Inaccurate Content on Social Media

 

By Lilian H. Hill

 

Misinformation and disinformation, often called "fake news," spread rapidly on social media, especially during conflicts, wars, and emergencies. “Fake news” and disinformation campaigns injure the health of democratic systems because they can influence public opinion and electoral decision-making (National Center for State Courts, n.d.). With the overwhelming content shared on these platforms, distinguishing truth from falsehood has become challenging. This issue has worsened as some social media companies have downsized their Trust and Safety teams, neglecting proper content moderation (Center for Countering Digital Hate, 2023).

 

Users can play a role in curbing the spread of false information. The first step is to verify before sharing that we are mindful of what we amplify and engage with. Equally important is reporting misinformation when we come across it. Social media platforms allow users to flag posts that promote falsehoods, conspiracies, or misleading claims, each enforcing its own Community Standards to regulate content (Center for Countering Digital Hate, 2023).

 

Reporting misleading content on social media platforms is essential in reducing the spread of misinformation. Unfortunately, some platforms fail to act on reported content (Center for Countering Digital Hate, 2023). Nonetheless, users should still report when misinformation and disinformation flood their timelines.

 

Here’s how to report misleading content on some of the most widely used platforms:

1. Facebook

• Click on the three dots (•••) in the top-right corner of the post.
• Select "Find support or report post."
• Choose "False Information" or another relevant category.
• Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the report.

 

2. Instagram

• Tap the three dots (•••) in the top-right corner of the post.
• Select "Report."
• Choose "False Information" and follow the steps to submit your report.

 

3. X (formerly known as Twitter)

• Click on the three dots (•••) on the tweet you want to report.
• Select "Report Tweet."
• Choose "It’s misleading" and specify whether it relates to politics, health, or other misinformation.
• Follow the prompts to complete the report.

 

4. TikTok

• Tap and hold the video or click on the share arrow.
• Select "Report."
• Choose "Misleading Information" and provide details if necessary.

 

5. YouTube

• Click on the three dots (•••) below the video.
• Select "Report."
• Choose "Misinformation" and provide any additional details required.

 

6. Reddit

• Click on the three dots (•••) or the "Report" button below the post or comment.
• Select "Misinformation" if available or choose a related category.
• Follow the instructions to submit your report.

 

7. LinkedIn

• Click on the three dots (•••) in the top-right corner of the post.
• Select "Report this post."
• Choose "False or misleading information."

 

8. Threads

• Click  next to a post.
• Click Report and follow the on-screen instructions.

 

After reporting, the platform will review the content and take action if it violates their misinformation policies. Users can also enhance efforts by sharing fact-checked sources in the comments or encouraging others to report the same misleading content.

 

References

Center for Countering Digital Hate (2023, October 24). How to report misinformation on social media. https://counterhate.com/blog/how-to-report-misinformation-on-social-media/

National Center for State Courts (n.d.) Disinformation and the Public. https://www.ncsc.org/consulting-and-research/areas-of-expertise/communications,-civics-and-disinformation/disinformation/for-the-public

Who Consumes News on Social Media and Why?

 

By Lilian H. Hill

 

 

Social media has become a key source of news for Americans, with half of U.S. adults reporting that they sometimes rely on it for news, according to a 2023 Pew Research Center survey (Pew Research Center, 2024). A significant majority of U.S. adults (86%) report getting news from a smartphone, computer, or tablet at least occasionally, with 57% saying they do so frequently.

 

People who consume news on social media cite several benefits, including its convenience, rapid updates, and ability to engage with others through discussions and shared content (Pew Research Center, 2024). However, many also express concerns about news accuracy, quality, and political bias on these platforms. Notably, the percentage of users considering misinformation the most significant drawback has risen from 31% to 40% over the past five years.

 

Benefits and Constraints of Social Media News

Getting news through social media offers both advantages and drawbacks. One of its most significant benefits is convenience and accessibility, as it provides instant access to breaking news from anywhere, keeping users informed in real time. Additionally, social media exposes individuals to diverse perspectives, allowing them to access news from independent journalists, global outlets, and citizen reporters. The ability to receive real-time updates ensures that users stay informed as events unfold. Social media also fosters engagement and interactivity, enabling people to comment, share, and discuss news with others, thereby promoting public discourse. Personalization is another advantage, as algorithms curate news based on user preferences, making content more relevant to individual interests. Moreover, social media platforms offer cost-free access to news, bypassing paywalls common on many traditional news websites.

 

However, there are significant downsides to relying on social media for news. One primary concern is the prevalence of misinformation and fake news, as these platforms often host misleading information, deepfakes, and propaganda. Bias and echo chambers also pose a risk, as algorithms reinforce users' beliefs by prioritizing content that aligns with their views, limiting exposure to diverse perspectives. Unlike traditional journalism, many social media sources lack rigorous fact-checking, increasing the risk of spreading inaccurate information. Sensationalism and clickbait are also typical, as platforms prioritize engagement, often amplifying emotionally charged or exaggerated content over factual reporting. Privacy and data concerns are another issue, with social media companies collecting vast amounts of personal data that can be used for targeted advertising or political manipulation. Additionally, the short-form nature of social media news consumption can lead to shallow understanding, as users are less likely to analyze complex issues deeply.

 

In a study, Thorson and Battocchio (2023) explored how young adults in the U.S. shape and manage their personal media environments across digital platforms and the impact of these practices on their news consumption. Based on 50 in-depth interviews with individuals aged 18-34, along with an analysis of their most-used social media platforms, the study highlights the various efforts young users invest in constructing and curating their online presence across both “public” and “private” spaces, with particular focus on the architectural strategies that minimize their exposure to news content.

 

Generational Use of Social Media for News

Different generations consume news from various sources, reflecting technological shifts, media consumption habits, and trust in traditional versus digital platforms. Recent studies by the American Press Institute indicate that while Gen Z and Millennials still engage with local and national news from traditional sources, they are more likely to frequently access news and information through social media (Media Insight Group, 2022). Gen Z consumes news daily on social platforms at a higher rate than older Millennials, with 74% doing so compared to 68% of older Millennials. According to the Pew Research Center (2024), the percentage of Americans who regularly get news from television has remained steady at 33%, while reliance on radio and print publications continues to decline. In 2024, only 26% of U.S. adults reported often or sometimes getting their news in print.

 

However, this does not mean these groups rely exclusively on social media for complete or accurate news coverage (Castle Group, 2025; Pew Research Center, 2024). Many consumers follow news outlets and journalists on social platforms, clicking through to full articles when they appear in their feeds. Some people use a free monthly article allowance or continue researching a story beyond the app where they first encountered it. To maintain audience engagement, news organizations have adapted their approach to social media, moving beyond simple headline previews or article snippets to offer more dynamic and interactive content.

 

Here’s a breakdown of where different age groups typically obtain their news (Pew Research Center, 2024):

 

Baby Boomers, born between 1946 and 1964, primarily rely on television for news, favoring broadcast and cable networks such as CNN, Fox News, and NBC. While they still engage with print newspapers, this habit is declining. They also turn to radio sources like NPR and talk radio for updates and are gradually accessing digital news websites, though at lower rates than younger generations.

 

Generation X, born between 1965 and 1980, splits its news consumption between television and online sources, including news websites and apps. While they engage with social media for news, they tend to be more skeptical than younger generations. Many continue to listen to radio news, especially during commutes, and some still read print newspapers, though digital consumption is on the rise.

 

Millennials, born between 1981 and 1996, prefer online news sources, including digital newspapers, news apps, and streaming news content. They are heavy users of social media platforms such as Facebook, Twitter (X), Instagram, and Reddit for news updates. Increasingly, they rely on podcasts and YouTube for in-depth analysis and alternative viewpoints. Compared to older generations, they are less likely to watch traditional television news or read print newspapers.

 

Generation Z, born between 1997 and 2012, primarily consumes news via social media platforms such as TikTok, Instagram, X (formerly known as Twitter), and Snapchat. They favor short-form video content from influencers, independent journalists, and content creators. Many engage with news aggregators like Apple News and Google News, while traditional television news and print newspapers play a minimal role in their media consumption. Instead, they prefer digital and interactive content that aligns with their fast-paced and visually engaging media habits.

 

Each generation's news consumption habits reflect broader shifts in media technology and trust in different sources. While traditional news outlets still hold influence, digital and social media platforms continue to attract younger audiences. It is too soon to predict social media behavior of Generation Alpha, born between 2010 and 2024, and Generation Beta, born after 2025.

 

Mitigating Problems of Social Media News Consumption

Yaraghi (2019) commented that it is naive to view social media as purely neutral content-sharing platforms without any responsibility, but thinks it is unreasonable to hold them to the same editorial standards as traditional news media. Mitigating the problems associated with social media news content requires a multi-pronged approach involving media literacy, platform accountability, and user responsibility. Improving media literacy is essential, as people need to develop critical thinking skills to evaluate sources, detect bias, and distinguish between credible journalism and misinformation. Encouraging a fact-checking culture by verifying information through reliable sources like Snopes, PolitiFact, or Reuters Fact Check can help reduce the spread of false narratives. Additionally, users should be aware of manipulative tactics such as deepfakes, clickbait headlines, and out-of-context images that contribute to misinformation.

 

Social media platforms must also take responsibility by ensuring greater algorithm transparency, disclosing how they prioritize news content, and implementing measures to reduce the spread of misinformation. Stronger content moderation, powered by both AI and human reviewers, is necessary to flag and remove misleading content while still protecting free speech. Yaraghi (2019) stated that while social media companies can moderate or restrict content on their platforms, they cannot fully control how ideas are shared online or disseminated offline. Clear labeling and warnings for unverified or misleading content, like how X and Facebook sometimes provide context to viral posts, can further help users make informed decisions.

 

Encouraging responsible journalism is another crucial step. Supporting trusted news outlets and prioritizing fact-based reporting over sensationalized headlines can help counteract misinformation. Journalists should also uphold ethical reporting standards by rigorously verifying sources and avoiding the spread of misleading information.

 

Users themselves play a vital role in combating misinformation. Taking a moment to verify news before sharing, especially if it provokes a strong emotional reaction, can prevent the spread of false content. Diversifying news sources rather than relying on a single perspective helps reduce the risk of being trapped in an echo chamber. Additionally, users should actively report misleading content to social media platforms to ensure that misinformation does not gain traction.

 

By combining education, regulation, and individual responsibility, we can foster a more informed and resilient digital society that mitigates the negative impact of social media news content.

 

 

References

 

Castle Group (2025, January 31). How social media, Gen Z, and millennials are changing the news media landscape. https://www.thecastlegrp.com/how-social-media-gen-z-and-millennials-are-changing-the-news-media-landscape/

Media Insight Project (2022, August 22). The news consumption habits of 16- to 40-year-olds. American Press Institute. https://americanpressinstitute.org/the-news-consumption-habits-of-16-to-40-year-olds/

Pew Research Center (2024, September 17). News Platform Fact Sheet. https://www.pewresearch.org/journalism/fact-sheet/news-platform-fact-sheet/

Thorson, K., & Battocchio, A. F. (2023). “I use social media as an escape from all that” Personal platform architecture and the labor of avoiding news. Digital Journalism, 12(5), 613–636. https://doi.org/10.1080/21670811.2023.2244993

Yaraghi, N. (2019, April 9). How should social media platforms combat misinformation and hate speech? Brookings Institute. https://www.brookings.edu/articles/how-should-social-media-platforms-combat-misinformation-and-hate-speech/

Digital Architecture of Social Media Platforms

 

By: Lilian H. Hill

 

The architecture of an environment is known to influence human behavior. The relationship between structure and agency extends beyond physical spaces and encompasses how individuals engage with and navigate online environments (Bossetta, 2018). How social media platforms are designed and mediated varies, and these differences influence people’s online activities. For example, some social media platforms favor visual communication, while others favor textual communication.

Bosetta (2018) divided the digital architecture of social media platforms into four key categories:

 

1. Network Structure can be defined as the way connections between accounts are established and sustained. It determines how connections between accounts are established and maintained. Social media enables users to connect with peers (“Friends” on Facebook, “Followers” on X [formerly known as Twitter]), as well as with public figures, brands, or organizations, which often operate specialized accounts with advanced tools (e.g., Facebook Pages, Instagram Business Profiles).

 

This structure influences three key aspects:

1. Searchability – How users discover and follow new accounts.
2. Connectivity – The process of forming connections. For example, Facebook’s mutual Friend model mirrors offline networks, while X’s one-way following system fosters networks with weaker real-life ties.
3. Privacy – Users' control over search visibility and connection interactions. Snapchat prioritizes private ties, while platforms like Instagram and X default to open networks but allow customizable privacy settings.

 

These elements shape the platform’s network dynamics, user relationships, and the content generated (Bosetta, 2018).

 

2. Functionality defines how content is mediated, accessed, and distributed on social media platforms. It encompasses five key components:

1. Hardware Access – Platforms are accessed via devices like mobiles, tablets, desktops, and wearables, influencing user behavior. For instance, tweets from desktops tend to show more civility than those from mobile devices.
2. Graphical User Interface (GUI) – The visual interface shapes navigation, homepage design, and interaction tools like social buttons (e.g., X Retweets, Facebook Shares), simplifying content sharing.
3. Broadcast Feed – Aggregates and displays content, varying in centralization (e.g., Facebook's News Feed) and interaction methods (e.g., scrolling vs. click-to-open).
4. Supported Media – Includes supported formats (text, images, videos, GIFs), size limits (character counts, video length), and hyperlinking rules.
5. Cross-Platform Integration – Enables sharing of the same content across multiple platforms.

 

These elements shape content creation, network behavior, and platform norms, influencing user expectations and interactions. Political actors, for example, must align with platform-specific norms to avoid appearing out-of-touch or inauthentic, which could harm their credibility and electability.

 

3. Algorithmic Filtering determines how developers prioritize posts’ selection, sequence, and visibility. This involves three key concepts:

1. Reach – How far a post spreads across feeds or networks, which algorithms can enhance or restrict.
2. Override – Pay-to-promote services, like Facebook's "boosting," allow users to bypass algorithms and extend a post's reach.
3. Policy – policies on fact-checking processes are subject to change, which permits the spread of fake news.

 

These factors are most relevant on platforms with one-to-many broadcast feeds (e.g., Facebook, X, Instagram). Platforms focused on one-to-one messaging (e.g., Snapchat, WhatsApp) are less affected by algorithmic filtering. However, when algorithms dictate content visibility, they influence users' perceptions of culture, news, and politics.

 

4. Datafication is how user interactions are transformed into data points for modeling. Every social media interaction leaves digital traces that can be used for advertising, market research, or improving platform algorithms. Maintaining a social media presence in political campaigns is less about direct interaction with voters and more about leveraging user data. Campaigns can analyze digital traces to inform persuasion and mobilization strategies.

 

Kent and Taylor (2021) commented that the design of many social media platforms limits meaningful discussions on complex issues. Deep, deliberative debates on complex problems like climate change or economic inequality are difficult on platforms optimized for advertising and data monetization.

References

Bossetta, M. (2018). The digital architectures of social media: Comparing political campaigning on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Snapchat in the 201 6U.S. election, Journalism and Mass Communication Quarterly, 95(2), 471–496. https://doi.org/10.1177/1077699018763307

 Kent, M. L., & Taylor, M. (2021). Fostering dialogic engagement: Toward an architecture of social media for social change. Social Media + Society, 71(1). https://orcid.org/0000-0001-5370-1896

Social Media Literacy: Definitions, Benefits, and Strategies

 

This podcast is a continuation of our series on different forms of literacy. We have discussed visual and graphic literacy, digital literacy, media literacy, and digital citizenship. In this podcast episode, Dr. Lillian Hill focuses on social media literacy: definitions, benefits, and strategies for protecting privacy, engaging in respectful online communication, and avoiding falling victim to misinformation and online scams. Listen to the episode and join the online forum.

 

Listen to the Podcast 

 Information Literacy Episode 21 Transcripts

 

References

 

MacKay, J. (2023, June 6). How to protect your personal information on social media. Retrieved from https://www.aura.com/learn/how-to-protect-your-personal-information-on-social-media

Polanco-Levicán, K., & Salvo-Garrido, S. (2022). Understanding social media literacy: A systematic review of the concept and its competences. International Journal of Environmental Research in Public Health. 19(14): 8807. doi: 10.3390/ijerph19148807.

Roeder, A. (2020). Social media use can be positive for mental health and well-being. Harvard School of Public Health. Retrieved from https://www.hsph.harvard.edu/news/features/social-media-positive-mental-health/

Walsh, S. (2022, May 30). The Top 10 Social Media Sites & Platforms. Search Engine Journal. Retrieved from https://www.searchenginejournal.com/social-media/biggest-social-media-sites/#close

Wong, B. (2023, May 18). Top Social Media Statistics And Trends Of 2023. Forbes Advisor. Retrieved from https://www.forbes.com/advisor/business/social-media-statistics/#:~:text=The%20number%20of%20social%20media,5.85%20billion%20users%20by%202027.

Zote, J. (2020, August 7). 130 most important social media acronyms and slang you should know. Sprout Social. Retrieved from https://sproutsocial.com/insights/social-media-acronyms/

How algorithms influence what you see on the Internet

 

 

I am Lilian H. Hill, moderator of Information Literacy online forum.

Have you ever wondered if your computer is spying on you? Let’s say you searched for a topic on your laptop, only to find advertisements for related products on your smart phone or tablet later in the day, even from organizations or companies you did not view. This phenomenon is based on algorithms used by programs that operate on the internet. 

You may vaguely remember the word algorithms from high school math class, and probably forgot all about them. So, to remind you, an algorithm is a series of instructions for problem solving used in mathematics. The reasons they are pertinent now is that the word also refers to instructions programmed into computers for solving such as what you see when you perform a search on the Internet. In other words, algorithms are the foundation of how computers work. Computer technology can perform algorithmic operations at a speed not possible for human beings. 

Ubiquity of Algorithms  

Algorithms are everywhere because many items in our lives have embedded computer chips: in our cars, household appliances, home entertainment and security systems, and even doorbells. We wear them on our wrists as smartwatches or carry them around on our smartphones. They are even in medical devices such as hearing aids, pacemakers, or wearable glucose monitors. They provide for our convenience, health monitoring, and even safety. 

Personalized Information 

Social media and search engines such as Google are structured to personalize information that you see. They track information about your preferences and interests by following what you search for, how long you view websites, and even purchases you make online. You are more likely to see information you are interested in, but the trade-off is that you sacrifice some privacy. You are also more likely to see information that you agree with, meaning that algorithms may be shaping your opinions and view of reality. They are responsible for promoting fake news, information that is inaccurate, one-sided, or biased. They may promote and perpetuate racist, sexist, and other prejudicial perspectives. 

Machine Learning 

With the advent of machine learning, algorithms have become more independent of human control. They are controlling many things. For example, as many as 65% of stock market trades are controlled by algorithms instead of thinking human beings. Depending on their programming, the values they operate on may be to maximize profit no matter the results in human lives. Algorithms are at the forefront of innovation, creativity, and technological advancement. 

Algorithms are imperfect and have limitations based on their programming. They draw from past data, even while they are influencing our decisions. Because they have penetrated many aspects of our lives, this is a good time to ask questions about the influence of algorithms on our daily lives.

References 

Algorithms are controlling everything in today’s digital world. Retrieved from https://futurside.com/algorithms-are-controlling-everything-in-todays-digital-world/