Our project focused on Instagram and how its design can mislead users. My portion argued that Instagram is optimized for entertainment and engagement—not for verified information—so casual scrolling and limited fact-checking make misinformation easy to spread. Posts can also seem trustworthy simply because they look polished and professional.
Research shows people are more likely to trust content when it’s endorsed by a celebrity or influencer, which can further legitimize misinformation. We turned these ideas into a live-streamed discussion where we presented our findings and responded to the live chat.
One example I referenced was Belle Gibson, who faked having cancer and claimed she cured it through a special diet. She gained online fame, sold diet and recipe books, and misled people—including those with cancer—before the truth was revealed.
Another example we discussed was AI-generated misinformation, such as realistic deepfake videos, synthetic voice clips, or AI-made images that appear authentic and are easily shared on Instagram. Because this content can look “real” at a glance, it spreads fast—especially when it’s reposted by large accounts.
Now, with AI, false content can be even more convincing, so we can’t take what we see at face value. To stay informed, we need to ask: Where is this from? And can I trust it?