Schultz, D. "Truth Goggles: Automatic Incorporation of Context and Primary Source for a Critical Media Experience"

Abstract

Falsehoods come in many forms. Politicians and advertisers make false claims, newsrooms and bloggers make mistakes, and the ease of publication and sharing makes it easy for even the most incredible theories to quickly spread. The risk of interpreting fiction as truth is significant and it is only increasing. How can technology protect consumers from falling into the traps set by dubious information?

This thesis is an exploration of the challenges and possibilities surrounding the implementa- tion of interfaces that mitigate the effects of misinformation. It contains an analysis of the pitfalls, considerations, and opportunities in the space of digital credibility. Those lessons are then applied to Truth Goggles, a technology prototype that attempts to trigger critical thinking in digital media consumers and codify the process of fair analysis.