How Disinformation Spreads Online
Episode Description
EPISODE OVERVIEW Wharton Professor Eric Clemons breaks down how disinformation spreads so effectively on social media, why highly processed and targeted content outperforms traditional news, and what makes truth harder to communicate in today’s digital environment. He explains the difference between misinformation and disinformation, the role of platforms and profit incentives, and what it may take to reduce the impact of manipulated content without limiting free speech.
PODCAST OVERVIEW Every day, business scholars answer pressing questions in their research - but what do their insights mean for you? In this podcast, Wharton faculty dive into what inspired their studies and how their findings resonate with the world today. Learn how research insights translate into knowledge you can use, with host Dan Loney.
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Brief Summary
Eric Clemens discusses disinformation's impact on society and the challenges of combating it through social media and campaigns.
Key points
- The Ripple Effect Podcast. Join Dan Looney as he explores the impact of Wharton faculty research on today's world.
- The Challenge of Climate Change Lies. Exploring how disinformation campaigns exploit complex truths about climate change.
- Social Media as Entertainment. How social media prioritizes entertainment over truth, affecting public perception.
- Disinformation vs. Misinformation. Understanding the critical difference between misinformation and disinformation in today's media landscape.
- The Future of Disinformation. Discussing the ongoing challenge of disinformation in the age of social media.
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Episode highlights
- The Ripple Effect PodcastJoin Dan Looney as he explores the impact of Wharton faculty research on today's world.“Welcome to the Ripple Effect, the podcast that takes you on a journey.”0:24Nov 18, 2025
- The Challenge of Climate Change LiesExploring how disinformation campaigns exploit complex truths about climate change.“The truth is long, slow, and complicated.”4:16Nov 18, 2025
- Social Media as EntertainmentHow social media prioritizes entertainment over truth, affecting public perception.“Social media’s brand is entertainment.”7:41Nov 18, 2025
- Disinformation vs. MisinformationUnderstanding the critical difference between misinformation and disinformation in today's media landscape.“Misinformation is protected by the first amendment. Disinformation is not.”10:18Nov 18, 2025
- The Future of DisinformationDiscussing the ongoing challenge of disinformation in the age of social media.“Social media will be around forever.”19:27Nov 18, 2025





