False and Misleading Information: A Summary of Evidence on What it is, Why it matters, and How to respond. As emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence make it easier than ever to create and distribute convincing false content, there is an urgent need to understand both the scale of the problem and the most effective ways to address it. In this webinar, Dr Harriet Baird and colleagues from the University of Sheffield will present findings from a GO-Science-funded rapid evidence review examining what is currently known about false and misleading information. Drawing on evidence from systematic reviews, meta-analyses, and key grey literature, alongside insights from expert participants across academia, industry, and policy, the research provides a comprehensive overview of the field and identifies important gaps in the current evidence base. The session will explore how false and misleading information is defined, how it spreads across different contexts, and the impacts it can have on individuals and society. It will examine evidence linking exposure to false information with a range of harms, including negative health outcomes, financial losses, reduced trust in science and public institutions, and increased social and political polarisation. The webinar will also discuss what works to reduce the impact of false and misleading information. Participants will learn about the strengths and limitations of approaches such as prebunking, fact-checking, and media literacy interventions, as well as the importance of wider system-level responses. The findings highlight the need for action that goes beyond individual behaviour change to address the role of online platforms, algorithms, and information ecosystems in shaping what people see and share. This webinar will be of interest to researchers, policymakers, practitioners, communicators, and anyone seeking an evidence-based understanding of one of the most pressing societal challenges of our time. Attendees will gain practical insights into current evidence, key debates, and future priorities for building a healthier and more trustworthy information environment. Speakers:Dr Harriet Baird, University of Sheffield.Professor Kalina Bontcheva, University of Sheffield.Professor Thomas Webb, University of Sheffield. Read the protocol for the study and the report on OSF. Sep 14 2026 12.00 - 13.30 False and Misleading Information: A Summary of Evidence on What it is, Why it matters, and How to respond. False and misleading information has become a defining challenge of the modern information environment. From health and climate change to politics and public policy, inaccurate or deceptive content can spread rapidly across digital platforms, influencing beliefs, behaviours, and decision-making. Online Register to attend This article was published on Wednesday 5 August 2026
False and Misleading Information: A Summary of Evidence on What it is, Why it matters, and How to respond. As emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence make it easier than ever to create and distribute convincing false content, there is an urgent need to understand both the scale of the problem and the most effective ways to address it. In this webinar, Dr Harriet Baird and colleagues from the University of Sheffield will present findings from a GO-Science-funded rapid evidence review examining what is currently known about false and misleading information. Drawing on evidence from systematic reviews, meta-analyses, and key grey literature, alongside insights from expert participants across academia, industry, and policy, the research provides a comprehensive overview of the field and identifies important gaps in the current evidence base. The session will explore how false and misleading information is defined, how it spreads across different contexts, and the impacts it can have on individuals and society. It will examine evidence linking exposure to false information with a range of harms, including negative health outcomes, financial losses, reduced trust in science and public institutions, and increased social and political polarisation. The webinar will also discuss what works to reduce the impact of false and misleading information. Participants will learn about the strengths and limitations of approaches such as prebunking, fact-checking, and media literacy interventions, as well as the importance of wider system-level responses. The findings highlight the need for action that goes beyond individual behaviour change to address the role of online platforms, algorithms, and information ecosystems in shaping what people see and share. This webinar will be of interest to researchers, policymakers, practitioners, communicators, and anyone seeking an evidence-based understanding of one of the most pressing societal challenges of our time. Attendees will gain practical insights into current evidence, key debates, and future priorities for building a healthier and more trustworthy information environment. Speakers:Dr Harriet Baird, University of Sheffield.Professor Kalina Bontcheva, University of Sheffield.Professor Thomas Webb, University of Sheffield. Read the protocol for the study and the report on OSF. Sep 14 2026 12.00 - 13.30 False and Misleading Information: A Summary of Evidence on What it is, Why it matters, and How to respond. False and misleading information has become a defining challenge of the modern information environment. From health and climate change to politics and public policy, inaccurate or deceptive content can spread rapidly across digital platforms, influencing beliefs, behaviours, and decision-making. Online Register to attend This article was published on Wednesday 5 August 2026
Sep 14 2026 12.00 - 13.30 False and Misleading Information: A Summary of Evidence on What it is, Why it matters, and How to respond. False and misleading information has become a defining challenge of the modern information environment. From health and climate change to politics and public policy, inaccurate or deceptive content can spread rapidly across digital platforms, influencing beliefs, behaviours, and decision-making.
