On May 15th, 65 community members from across Snohomish County gathered for an eye-opening presentation by Stephen Prochaska, a PhD candidate and graduate research assistant at the Center for an Informed Public at the University of Washington. His talk, titled “Participatory Persuasion: Narrative, Infrastructure, and Manipulated Rumors on Social Media,” tackled a critical question:
How do rumors evolve into disinformation, and why are some groups so effective at spreading persuasive but false narratives?
While it's nearly impossible to capture all the insights shared during the session, here are some key takeaways:
Disinformation often begins with ambiguity — a vague or sensational headline like “Man Hit by Flying Dog.” Most of us glance at such headlines and move on. But for others, especially those already predisposed to distrust institutions, these moments become gateways: “How could this happen? Has genetic engineering gone too far?”
From there, a chain reaction begins. Media outlets, both traditional and digital, amplify these initial sparks. People start drawing conclusions based on seemingly related stories, such as reports about cloning or experimental medical procedures. The line between science and fiction blurs: “You see? You can't trust science anymore!”
Then come the influencers. Individuals with large followings distort and magnify these narratives, often for personal gain or ideological agendas. Their messages echo through like-minded online communities, intensifying outrage and eroding trust. Social media platforms, with their vast and viral infrastructures, accelerate this process. What began as a fringe rumor becomes a headline-grabbing controversy, eventually picked up by national news.
All of this forms fertile ground for propagandists, who are eager (and often well-resourced) to exploit our fears and amplify falsehoods.
So what can we do?
Stephen Prochaska offered a memorable analogy:
“Information is like water — essential for a healthy society. Too little, and we weaken. Too much, and we drown.”
The key, he says, is to learn how to swim — to navigate the deluge of information with intention, critical thinking, and a sense of purpose.
Ultimately, sustaining a strong democracy requires more than just being informed — it demands
dedication, discernment, and active participation from all of us.
Bonus Resource:
If you found this topic compelling, check out a related talk by Dr. Kate Starbird, a co-founder of the Center for an Informed Public. Her lecture, given to the University of Washington faculty, is available on YouTube:
watch it here.