Hugo Mercier

Jan 19, 2025 | nature.com | Viktoria Cologna |Niels G. Mede |Sebastian Berger |Marina Joubert |Edward Maibach |Sabina Mihelj | +96 more

AbstractScience is crucial for evidence-based decision-making. Public trust in scientists can help decision makers act on the basis of the best available evidence, especially during crises. However, in recent years the epistemic authority of science has been challenged, causing concerns about low public trust in scientists.

Oct 18, 2023 | misinforeview.hks.harvard.edu | Felix Simon |Sacha Altay |Hugo Mercier

Commentary Article Metrics Many observers of the current explosion of generative AI worry about its impact on our information environment, with concerns being raised about the increased quantity, quality, and personalization of misinformation. We assess these arguments with evidence from communication studies, cognitive science, and political science.

Mar 20, 2023 | ipg-journal.de | Hugo Mercier

Nachdem Donald Trump 2016 die Präsidentschaftswahl gewann, hatten viele den  Verdacht, das Abstimmungsergebnis sei durch russische Machenschaften beeinflusst worden. Die Internet Research Agency, eine „Trollfabrik“ im Großraum Sankt Petersburg, postete über Accounts, mit denen die Trolle sich als US-amerikanische Bürger oder Nachrichtenagenturen ausgaben, Tausende und Abertausende von Nachrichten, die Trump den Rücken stärken sollten und in vielen Fällen gefälscht waren.

Mar 15, 2023 | persuasion.community | Hugo Mercier

After Donald Trump won the 2016 presidential election there was widespread suspicion that the results had been influenced by a Russian operation. The Internet Research Agency, a “troll factory” operating out of St Petersburg, was creating accounts posing as U.S. citizens or news agencies, posting thousands upon thousands of messages, the majority in support of Trump, and many fake. Could the Russians have pulled off something as big as swaying a U.S. election?