A Comprehensive Analysis of Evaluation Strategies for Online Information Truthfulness

EasyChair Preprint 11604

Abstract

The proliferation of online information necessitates effective methods for assessing its reliability. Disinformation and misinformation threaten individual decision-making, social cohesion, and democracy. The purpose of this systematic review is to analyse existing evaluation strategies for the truthfulness of online information.

The researcher searched major databases for peer-reviewed studies published between 2010 and 2023. The researcher used relevant keywords related to information verification, fact-checking, and truth assessment. Predefined eligibility criteria were used to screen and select studies evaluating the truthfulness of online information. The data extraction included study design, platform/content focus, specific evaluation strategies, reported accuracy, and limitations.

An array of evaluation strategies were identified, including fact-checking, source credibility analysis, linguistic and statistical techniques, and crowd-sourcing verification. Platform, content type, and specific misinformation characteristics all affect accuracy and effectiveness. Hybrid approaches that combine human expertise with automated tools showed promising results, particularly for addressing misinformation tactics. The detection of deepfakes, biassed information, and synthetic media remains challenging.

Future research efforts should focus on context-aware evaluation techniques, addressing bias in automated tools, enhancing human expertise, and promoting user education.

Robust evaluation strategies are becoming increasingly important for online information truthfulness. To ensure a trustworthy and reliable online information ecosystem, continuous research and development are essential.

Keyphrases: Information verification, disinformation, fact checking, misinformation, online information, systematic review, truth assessment

@booklet{EasyChair:11604,
  author    = {Bosco Ekka},
  title     = {A Comprehensive Analysis of Evaluation Strategies for Online Information Truthfulness},
  howpublished = {EasyChair Preprint 11604},
  year      = {EasyChair, 2023}}