The interface as a tool of manipulation: visual mechanisms of disinformation in digital media

The aim of this presentation is to analyse the role of the interface and the visual organisation of information in the process of spreading disinformation in digital media. Unlike approaches that focus on the content of fake news, this paper shifts the focus to its form – the manner of presentation, visual structure, and solutions in the fields of information architecture and UX that influence the perception of the message’s credibility.
The presentation is based on the premise that the interface is not a neutral medium for information, but actively participates in the process of its interpretation. Selected examples of disinformation circulating on social media will be analysed, with particular attention paid to elements such as: content layout, typography, iconography, visual signals of authority (e.g. styling to resemble news portals), as well as interactive mechanisms (e.g. number of reactions, comments, shares).