In this first episode of SmidgeCast, Prof. Giovanni Ziccardi provides a comprehensive overview of the SMIDGE project, and explains the pressing need to combat disinformation, conspiracy theories and online extremism in today’s complex landscape. If you found this episode informative, please share it to support our mission.

A First Overview on Extremism and Conspiracy Theories Online

In this episode of the Smidgecast, Sara Wilford from De Montfort University discusses the vulnerability of middle-aged individuals to misinformation and the impact of the digital landscape on their information consumption. Dr. Wilford explains the unique focus of the SMIDGE Project on this demographic group, addressing why it has been historically overlooked in research studies. Through insightful analysis, she uncovers the underlying reasons behind this demographic's susceptibility to online extremism, conspiracy theories and misinformation, emphasizing the urgency of tailored interventions to combat these issues effectively.

Smidge Project