Tag: Climate Change Disinformation
The role of personality traits and online behavior in belief in fake news
Abstract
The current study examines how careless online behavior and personality traits are related to the detection of fake news. We tested the relationships among accurately distinguishing between fake and real news headlines, careless online behavioral tendencies, and the HEXACO and dark triad personality traits. Poorer discernment between fake and real news headlines was associated with greater careless behavior online (i.e., greater online disinhibition, greater risky online behavior, greater engagement with strangers online, and less suspicion of others’ intentions online), as well as lower Conscientiousness, Openness, and Honesty-Humility, and greater dark triad traits. Implications for the literature as well as potential interventions to reduce susceptibility to misinformation and fake news are discussed.
The role of personality traits and online behavior in belief in fake news
Abstract
The current study examines how careless online behavior and personality traits are related to the detection of fake news. We tested the relationships among accurately distinguishing between fake and real news headlines, careless online behavioral tendencies, and the HEXACO and dark triad personality traits. Poorer discernment between fake and real news headlines was associated with greater careless behavior online (i.e., greater online disinhibition, greater risky online behavior, greater engagement with strangers online, and less suspicion of others’ intentions online), as well as lower Conscientiousness, Openness, and Honesty-Humility, and greater dark triad traits. Implications for the literature as well as potential interventions to reduce susceptibility to misinformation and fake news are discussed.
AI Governance in a Complex and Rapidly Changing Regulatory Landscape: A Global Perspective
Abstract
The rapid advancement and deployment of Artificial Intelligence (AI) poses significant regulatory challenges for societies. While it has the potential to bring many benefits, the risks of commercial exploitation or unknown technological dangers have led many jurisdictions to seek a legal response before measurable harm occurs. However, the lack of technical capabilities to regulate this sector despite the urgency to do so resulted in regulatory inertia. Given the borderless nature of this issue, an internationally coordinated response is necessary. This article focuses on the theoretical framework being established in relation to the development of international law applicable to AI and the regulatory authority to create and monitor enforcement of said law. The authors argue that the road ahead remains full of obstacles that must be tackled before the above-mentioned elements see the light despite the attempts being made currently to that end.
The agency of greenwashing
Abstract
As climate change increasingly challenges business models, the disclosure of firm environmental performance casts growing attention by corporate stakeholders. This creates wider opportunities and incentives for greenwash behaviors. We propose a novel set of measures to capture greenwashing and we investigate the association between greenwashing and corporate governance features that traditionally mitigate agency problems. We show that board characteristics are variously associated with the apparent degree of corporate greenwashing. Firms with more independent directors tend to greenwash more, the presence of female board directors seems to have a positive impact on the degree of greenwashing, while the effect of board size on greenwashing remains ambiguous. Importantly, we find that greenwashing reduces firm value.
Analyzing incentives and barriers to electric vehicle adoption in the United States
Abstract
The adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) is influenced by a range of incentives and barriers. EVs offer benefits such as reduced emissions and lower costs but face challenges in gaining widespread acceptance. Government subsidies, tax credits, and EV charging infrastructure have played a pivotal role in driving EV adoption, making them more financially attractive and convenient. However, barriers such as high upfront costs, limited driving range, insufficient charging infrastructure, and consumer concerns about battery life and availability have hindered broader uptake. This study presents a novel approach that considers both incentives and barriers to summarize the factors influencing EV development in the US. Through a comprehensive literature review, we explore the various barriers and incentives that affect EV deployment. Using an advanced fishbone diagram, we categorize the factors into economic and market, technical, policy, and social categories, providing a better understanding of their interrelationships. We discuss critical incentives and barriers within each category, offering a detailed analysis of their impact on EV adoption. Additionally, we present the results of a quantitative analysis of selected factors by examining their correlations with EV sales. This research provides a comprehensive understanding of the incentives and barriers to EV development in the US, assisting policymakers and stakeholders in developing effective strategies and initiatives for promoting EV adoption and achieving a cleaner and more sustainable future.
Connecting the domains: an investigation of internet domains found in Covid-19 conspiracy tweets
Abstract
Conspiracy theories (CTs) have thrived during the COVID-19 pandemic and continue to spread on social media despite attempts at fact-checking. The isolation and fear associated with this pandemic likely contributed to the generation and spread of these theories. Another possible factor is the high rate of Twitter users linking to off-platform alternative news sources through URL sharing (Moffitt et al. 2021). In this paper, we compare URLs and their parent domains linked in CT and non-CT tweets. First, we searched the parent domains of URLs shared in conspiracy theory and non-conspiracy theory classified tweets for the presence of Google tracking codes. We then constructed meta-networks linking domains, tracking codes, and Twitter users to find connections between domains and evidence of an eco-system that may have contributed to the cultivation and spread of conspiracy theories during the pandemic.
Facilitators and barriers to condom use in Middle East and North Africa: a systematic review
Abstract
Background
The Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region continues to have the lowest prevalence of HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) in the world, less than 0.1%, yet new transmissions are increasing. Consistent condom use can reduce the probability of transmission by 90–95%, and its use remains as the staple prevention method; however, this isn’t the case for the MENA region, where condom use, knowledge of proper use, and accessibility are limited.
Aims
To conduct a systematic review on condom use, its use across different population groups, and its barriers and facilitators in countries that fall under the UNAIDS regional classification of MENA.
Methods
This systematic review was performed in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analysis (PRISMA) guidelines. The search included electronic databases: PubMed/MEDLINE, Academic Search Ultimate, COCHRANE, APA PsycINFO, ScienceDirect, CINAHL Complete, Scopus. There was no date restriction.
Results
Of the 471 records retrieved, 45 articles were appraised and included in the analysis. The reported barriers and facilitators are sub-divided into personal, social, and structural factors. Condom accessibility, partner objection, and their perceived ineffectiveness were key barriers, whereas availability, cost, and lack of awareness were rarely mentioned. Concerns of personal health and future financial security, as well as positive peer influence and delayed sexual experience, were identified as motivators.
Conclusion
Condom promotion in the region needs to incorporate gender-based power in relationships and the influence of religion, as well as the legal and structural factors. More investment and research are needed for women-initiated contraceptive and digital healthcare initiatives.
Politicizing Vaccination Requirements: American University Responses in the Era of COVID-19
Abstract
Although vaccination requirements have been a mainstay of university admissions, the recent shift in vaccination and other preventative measures to reduce the spread of COVID-19 has been met with resistance. Reviewing the vaccination literature, there has been an apparent shift in support for university vaccinations, which is largely a result of the politicized climate surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic. Using a mixed-methods analysis, this study examines how type of institution and location variables affect public and private universities implementation of vaccination mandates and other preventative measures. Data indicate that, similar to other studies, politics matter and higher institutions are finding themselves at odds with state governments in which campus and community safety is not the primary concern.
Harnessing Collective Intentionality for Climate Action: An Institutional Perspective on Sustainability
Abstract
This paper explores the epistemic and moral responsibility individuals and institutions bear for climate change and sustainability. Highlighting challenges individuals face in understanding climate information, it emphasises the pivotal role of governments and intergovernmental institutions in exercising collective intentionality regarding climate change mitigation and sustainability education. Despite the commendable efforts of other collective entities, such as NGOs and climate movements, this responsibility belongs solely to national governments and intergovernmental institutions because they have a unique ability to create social rules. However, such action remains a desideratum. Current data on ecological crises show that there is a pressing need for heightened awareness and decisive, concrete action.