Fighting disinformation: Can You Believe It?

Can You Believe It? is an initiative dedicated to uncovering how disinformation reaches consumers and providing tools to help our audience fight its spread. Are you seeing disinformation in your social media feeds? Share with us by emailing tell@mpr.org.

Why both liberals and conservatives latch onto conspiracy theories
In the wake of the assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump, conspiracy theories have swirled. Christina Farhart, a political science professor at Carleton College, unpacks why both liberals and conservatives latch onto conspiracy theories.
Russian propaganda in 2024 includes deepfakes, sham websites and social media swarms
The hallmarks of Russian-back influence are consistent: trying to erode support for Ukraine, discrediting democratic institutions and seizing on existing political divides.
Essential tools to fight disinformation
A toolkit to help you fight fake and misleading information this election season.
5 tips for not getting tricked online this April Fools' Day — and beyond
It's always smart to keep your guard up online, especially on April Fools' Day. Experts in misinformation and news literacy offer steps you can take to avoid getting fooled, and not just on Monday.
How anti-vaccine activists and the far right are trying to build a parallel economy
Due to fears of "cancellation," alternative technology and financial platforms are being built for the so-called freedom economy by figures on the far right, including those with antisemitic beliefs.
AI images and conspiracy theories are driving a push for media literacy education
One of the nation's best-known media literacy events for high school students is expanding as demand grows for skills to identify deepfake images and online conspiracy theories.
AI fakes raise election risks as lawmakers and tech companies scramble to catch up
As AI-generated deepfakes are being used to spread false information in elections in the U.S. and around the world, policymakers, tech platforms and governments are trying to catch up.
Put your social media accounts on a ‘disinformation diet’
A lot of false information is spread on social media, often by people who don’t even realize they’re doing it. Here’s how to rid your social media feed of disinformation — and make sure you aren't part of the problem.