This project will draw on Human-Computer Interaction (HCI) and Computer Support Cooperative Work (CSCW) methods (qualitative/quantitative/mixed) to explore how health misinformation affects family networks across various cultural and/or socio-economics groups, and how family networks may help to reduce the spread and impact of health misinformation; helping tackle one of the most significant information challenges of our time.
Health misinformation is not a new phenomenon, with historical examples available of its negative effects. E.g., research from the 1980’s show how rumours around the contraceptive pill in Egypt caused a misbelief that it would cause ‘weakness’, reducing pill consumption [3]. More recently, the world has experienced COVID-19 misinformation (e.g., fake cures, anti-vax).
Research conducted in Brazil suggests that family WhatsApp groups are significant online spaces where misinformation is spread [4]. This may be problematic, with family members being emotionally closer to each other; therefore, the information they distribute might be perceived as more trustworthy. Moreover, the power dynamics within some cultures may make it difficult for some family members to challenge the veracity of shared information. Some characteristics of online misinformation, and factors related to vulnerability to this type of information, are likely to generalise globally. However, cultural variations which relate to values in people and their families have also been highlighted [2] and found to be factors having a significant effect on spread [5].
Families often contain members of varying ages, with different knowledge and skills. For instance, older family members may possess lower digital literacy skills and rely on family as a support system to help with their experiences with technology [6]. Yet, higher digital literacy skills in younger people do not necessarily result in an increased ability to detect misinformation online [1]. This project will explore a range of questions such as how misinformation is flagged, understood, evaluated, shared and discussed within family networks across different cultural and/or socio-economic groups; strategies and behaviours family members across different cultural and/or socio-economic groups use to challenge shared misinformation; the effects misinformation can have on family relationships and dynamics.
The principal supervisor for this project is Dr. Mark Warner
Eligibility and How to Apply:
Please note eligibility requirement:
• Academic excellence of the proposed student i.e. 2:1 (or equivalent GPA from non-UK universities [preference for 1st class honours]); or a Masters (preference for Merit or above); or APEL evidence of substantial practitioner achievement.
• Appropriate IELTS score, if required.
• Applicants cannot apply for this funding if currently engaged in Doctoral study at Northumbria or elsewhere.
For further details of how to apply, entry requirements and the application form, see
https://www.northumbria.ac.uk/research/postgraduate-research-degrees/how-to-apply/ Please note: Applications that do not include a research proposal of approximately 1,000 words (not a copy of the advert), or that do not include the advert reference (e.g. RDF21/EE/CIS/WARNERMark) will not be considered.
Deadline for applications: 29 January 2021
Start Date: 1 October 2021
Northumbria University takes pride in, and values, the quality and diversity of our staff. We welcome applications from all members of the community.
