The Spread of Climate Misinformation and Its Impact on Public Perception

Author: Ituru (Hillary) Babalola

Field of Study: Sociology

Program Affiliation: Source Project Research Program

Faculty Mentors: Matthew Cole

Easel: 90

Timeslot: Midday

Abstract: Over the past decade, the rise of digital media has transformed how people understand and respond to climate change. Both access to information and misinformation have grown significantly, shaping public perception in ways that can delay meaningful action. This project will examine how climate misinformation influences public understanding and contributes to climate inaction, with a focus on the role of social media and algorithm driven content. This will be demonstrated by interviewing college students while using verified and fake accounts dedicated to spreading both accurate and false information to get their perspective on the matter. By analyzing these patterns in online information, youtube videos, misinformation led posts and public responses, this study explores how misinformation creates confusion around climate justice and delays the “want” to act. This research highlights how individuals quickly accept incorrect information on social media without verifying its accuracy.