Barbara McQuade discusses threat of misinformation at Democracy Summit
University of Michigan law professor Barbara McQuade recently spoke at the University of Illinois-hosted ‘Democracy Summit.’ She cites disinformation as a leading cause of political polarization, and theorizes that social media further contributes to this cycle through ‘algorithmic echo chambers,’ which reinforces mis- and disinformation and cognitive biases.
The Daily Illini
At the University of Illinois Office of Civic Life’s Democracy Summit last month, author Barbara McQuade of the University of Michigan addressed the growing threat of misinformation and its impacts on society. McQuade was the keynote speaker for the event at the Spurlock Museum. She spoke to the audience about current democratic issues in our country and the exacerbating effects of disinformation.
In McQuade’s recent book titled Attack From Within, she identifies how misinformation spreads. The Office of Civic Life invited her to speak at the summit, which is designed to educate citizens about their responsibilities and influence on our democratic system.
“I love engaging with students,” McQuade said. “Many people, especially young people, care deeply about democracy and are concerned about what is going on in America.”
McQuade regularly provides legal commentary for MSNBC on issues such as corruption, constitutional theory and ethics. In 2010, former President Barack Obama appointed McQuade to serve as the U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Michigan, becoming the first woman to hold this role.
For more information about Prof. McQuade’s book, Attack from Within, visit our Books section.
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