Political Reality Misinformation is bad, but not for the reasons most of us think with Prof. Joshua A. Tucker | Political Reality | S01E03
Jan 21, 2026
Joshua A. Tucker, a political behavior expert from NYU, joins the discussion on the complex landscape of misinformation. He highlights the distinction between misinformation and disinformation, exploring how hyperpartisan content can skew perceptions. Tucker dives into the methods researchers use to measure misinformation and the role of algorithms in curating news. He also discusses the concept of echo chambers and the need for digital literacy, ultimately advocating for transparency from tech companies to improve accountability in the information ecosystem.
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Clear Definitions Matter
- Misinformation is factually incorrect information while disinformation adds intent to deceive.
- Hyperpartisan content can be factually true yet manipulates context and framing to drive political effects.
Algorithms Curate Attention
- Algorithms, not individual producers, increasingly determine what users see on social platforms.
- The 'TikTokification' shift emphasizes short-form, algorithmic curation over editorial gatekeeping.
Misinformation Follows Power Laws
- Large-scale tracking shows misinformation comprises a tiny share of most users' consumption.
- Power-law dynamics concentrate exposure: a few users receive most misinformation impressions.