Navigating Anxiety in a Digital Landscape
Sophie Lee
Advisor: Sharon De La Cruz
This aims to develop a Chrome extension for real-time fact-checker, promoting critical thinking in the digital landscape. By providing accessible tools to filter misinformation, it seeks to mitigate anxiety and foster a more informed and positive online community.
Abstract
In response to the pressing issue of misinformation and its impact on mental health, "Hey, Are you sure what you see now?" try to develop a real-time fact-checking engine in the form of a Chrome extension. With a central focus on promoting critical thinking and responsible information consumption, this project seeks to navigate users through the overwhelming information landscape of the digital age. Driven by the motivation to alleviate the negative effects of misinformation on mental well-being, this project aims to provide users with a reliable tool to filter out fake information and create a more positive online experience. By implementing features designed to minimize anxiety and stress, such as the intuitive and accessible design of the Chrome extension, the project aspires to foster a digital environment that promotes positive online interactions and empowers users to engage confidently with online content. Through thoughtful design and user interface considerations, "Hey, Are you sure you're watching?" seeks to strike a balance between simplicity and depth of information, ensuring that users can easily understand the likelihood of misinformation while accessing comprehensive insights. By facilitating meaningful conversations around fake news and misinformation, this project aims to contribute to a more informed, resilient, and trustworthy online community.
Technical Details
Chrome extension utilizes real-time fact-checking technology powered by the Google Fact Check API. It features a user-friendly interface, allowing users to easily access accurate information while browsing the web. The extension incorporates intuitive design elements and customizable features to enhance the user experience and promote critical thinking.
Research/Context
This project was started from a deep exploration into the intersection of digital consumption and mental health. With a focus on understanding the prevalence of anxiety in the digital landscape, the project dives into the everyday habits and emotional responses of individuals, revealing the significant impact of web and phone surfing on mental well-being. This research laid the foundation for developing a solution to address misinformation and release anxiety in online environments.
Further Reading
1. Weapons of Math Destruction: How Big Data Increases Inequality and Threatens Democracy" by Cathy O'Neil
2. Trust Me, I'm Lying: Confessions of a Media Manipulator" by Ryan Holiday
3. The Filter Bubble: How the New Personalized Web Is Changing What We Read and How We Think" by Eli Pariser
4.Digital Minimalism: Choosing a Focused Life in a Noisy World" by Cal Newport
5.Antisocial Media: How Facebook Disconnects Us and Undermines Democracy" by Siva Vaidhyanathan
6. The Social Dilemma, Netflix