Mathematical models can help understand how rumours spread, and identify effective strategies to stop them.
Stripes, clusters and hotspots. The words might evoke images of wildlife habitats, or even weather maps. But according to new research, they also describe how misinformation spreads through society.
According to the UN Global Risk Report 2024, mis- and disinformation is not only a top global threat—it’s the one countries feel least prepared to address.
Over 1,100 experts from 136 countries have ranked it among the gravest risks, and more than 80 per cent said it’s already happening.
Recent examples of the grave consequences of misinformation include the manipulation of the 2016 US presidential election, COVID vaccine hesitancy, and the growth of QAnon.
