Disinformation
The unchecked spread of falsehoods threatens democracy.
It’s an election year, and disinformation is in the news once again. This threat to our democracy comes at a time when social media platforms have scaled back their content moderation programs, and aggressive legal and legislative pressure from politicians has put a chill on counter-disinformation research and coordination.
This moment calls for innovative approaches to tackling false information, and PEN America is ready to support journalists, policy makers, and communities across the country.
What You Need to Know
During an election, disinformation can be used to smear an opponent for political gain, damage trust in our election system, and mobilize or suppress voter participation.
Technological advances like generative AI have made it easier than ever to produce and distribute deceptive content.
We believe that an empowered public and vibrant news ecosystem are the best means of countering disinformation’s pernicious effects.
2024 Election Resources
Vote informed this election year with these counter-disinformation resources.
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How to Vote and Combat Political Disinformation: A Tip Sheet for Election 2024
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A Guide to Developing a Healthier News Diet
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7 Top Election Year Disinformation Dangers, According to Experts
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The ‘Truth Sandwich’ and 11 Other Ways to Combat Election Misinformation with your Reporting
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‘I came from a country where we lost democracy’: What drives Tamoa Calzadilla’s commitment to facts
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PEN America’s primer for news consumers on spotting and combating disinformation when news breaks
As we navigate an onslaught of misleading content, it is vital that we all become more discerning consumers of information…
Everyone can help stop the spread of false information. Our conversation guide can show you how.
Facts Forward: Helping Journalists Fight Disinformation
PEN America has developed resources to help journalists detect, monitor, and report on disinformation and build greater trust with their communities.
Facts Forward Interview Series
This series features journalists and experts with extensive experience in navigating political and other forms of disinformation in order to provide best practices, insights into how to identify and counter disinformation, case studies, and other tips from practitioners.
On-Demand Webinars
Understanding Election Disinformation: What Voters Need to Know
To participate in democracy, you need to be well informed. But in today’s political climate, there’s a lot of false information circulating about our election processes and systems. Who spreads these falsehoods, and why? What are the real reasons public figures like Elon Musk share false claims about voting?
How to Build Relationships with Journalists Covering Your Community
Local news outlets are facing unprecedented pressures, and journalists are being asked to do more with less. Meanwhile, many people feel the news doesn’t accurately reflect their communities or their perspectives. Building relationships between community members and journalists can help address both challenges.
Why we believe: The psychology, reality, and future of the disinformation crisis
Why do we believe what we believe? And how do we undo beliefs rooted in misinformation? A conversation among three people tackling disinformation from three distinct angles surfaced salient insights on threats to journalism, including the psychology of why some people believe untruths online and how reporters can best respond to these misguided beliefs.
How Fact-checking Works – and Why It Matters
Fact-checking serves an important function in our news and politics, but it’s not well understood by the general public. What’s involved in fact-checking? How can we recognize when something we’re reading has been adequately verified? Understanding how fact-checking works can help us better determine when news and information is reliable and trustworthy – or not.
How journalists can combat political disinformation in a world of echo chambers and deepfakes
Journalists face a daunting task ahead of the 2024 election as disinformation campaigns grow more sophisticated and public trust in institutions – including the news media – declines.
How Cognitive Biases Make Us Vulnerable to Disinformation – and What We Can Do about It
Many of us assume that we won’t be influenced by false, misleading, and incomplete information because we’re smart, thoughtful people. But the reality is that simply having a human brain makes us vulnerable. The reason? When we’re faced with information overload and the need to make frequent decisions, we all take mental shortcuts, and those shortcuts lead to trouble.
Counter-Disinformation Resources
Guide: How to Build Relationships with Local Journalists, According to Journalists
78% of adults have never even spoken to a journalist. To help address this missed opportunity, PEN America surveyed journalists… More >>
Guide: Combating Campus Protest Mis/Disinformation
Mis- and disinformation are spreading in the wake of the growing wave of protests on college and university campuses over… More >>
Guide to Avoiding Disinformation Regarding the Ongoing Crisis in Israel and Gaza
We are facing an unprecedented wave of mis- and disinformation spreading online through social media. More >>
Community Disinformation Action Hub
Tools for community leaders and anyone who wants to learn what disinformation is and take action in their community to stop it More >>
How to Talk to Friends and Family Who Share Misinformation
While some people create and spread disinformation, your friends and family may well spread misinformation, which is shared by people who may not know the information is false. More >>
PEN America experts also featured in:
Journalists can’t win the fight against fake news without citizens’ help
The future of journalism stands at a crossroads. The solutions aren’t easy. But here’s the good news: Evidence shows numerous opportunities for citizens to pitch in.
Research & Reports
PEN America’s research on disinformation reveals troubling patterns of threats to free expression and democracy.
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Building Resilience
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Impact Report
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Hard News
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Faking News
Online Safety Resources
Online Abuse Defense Training Program
Trainings for workplaces and other groups fighting online abuse and harassment.
Online Harassment Field Manual
Whether you’re experiencing or witnessing online abuse, this Field Manual offers concrete strategies for how to defend yourself and others.
Issue: Online Abuse & Digital Safety
Online abuse—from violent threats and hateful slurs to sexual harassment and doxing—poses a direct and pressing threat to free expression.
