Professor McDowell speaks about misinformation in immigrant communities on the Change Agents Podcast
A Moment of Pause: Navigating Misinformation in Immigrant Communities
Dr. Zachary McDowell recently appeared on the podcast Change Agents in an episode titled “A Moment of Pause: Navigating Misinformation in Immigrant Communities.” Hosted by Grace Asiegbu, the episode examines how misinformation and disinformation spread through refugee and migrant networks, particularly across digital platforms such as WhatsApp, TikTok, and YouTube.
The conversation features Ugandan refugee and community advocate Emma Yaaka, who discusses how rapidly circulating information can shape decisions about health, safety, and relocation within immigrant communities. McDowell, alongside Dr. Michael Spikes of Northwestern University’s Medill School, provides expert insight on the importance of distinguishing misinformation from disinformation and the role trusted community networks play in verifying information.
Reflecting on the dynamics of online misinformation, McDowell notes, “If it looks too good to be true, if it fits your mold too well, it was probably designed that way.”