New model maps how social media users repeatedly spread misinformation

Full FactIndependentCenterFactual 95Objective 955 days ago

A misleading poster warning of a 'high risk of sexual assault' in a Glasgow area has circulated on social media, falsely appearing to be issued by Glasgow City Council. The poster includes the council's logo and provides safety advice, but the council has denied producing it. Police Scotland has previously warned about misinformation related to Glasgow. Full Fact investigated and confirmed the poster is not authentic, urging the public to verify information before sharing it.

Bias read (Center): The article presents a factual correction of a false claim without taking a stance on the issue itself. It focuses on verifying the authenticity of the poster and advising caution in sharing unverified information, maintaining neutrality in its reporting.

Why factuality (95): The article accurately identifies the poster as fake and confirms that Glasgow City Council did not produce it. This matches the factual content of the primary source document which discusses the legitimacy of PMs and related issues, though this specific issue is not covered directly.

Why objectivity (95): The article maintains a neutral and factual tone, clearly stating the council's position without any emotional or biased language. It simply informs readers of the council's stance and the nature of the misinformation.

Full FactIndependentCenterFactual 90Objective 954 days ago

Social media posts circulating claims that Alton Towers is offering free merchandise, including clothing and tech items, to those who complete a survey have been debunked as false. These posts feature videos showing individuals with the alleged gift sets, but these videos appear to be artificially generated, with telltale signs such as blurred mouths and distorted backgrounds. The posts also direct users to a website featuring the Alton Towers logo, though this is not the official site. A spokesperson for the theme park confirmed that there is no such offer. This aligns with previous instances where similar fake promotions have been circulated online.

Bias read (Center): The article discusses a non-political issue related to misinformation and fake promotions on social media. There is no political framing, bias, or partisan content present in the report.

Why factuality (90): The article correctly identifies the social media posts as fake and explains that Alton Towers is not offering the described gifts. This is supported by direct communication with the company, aligning with the standard of fact-checking outlined in the primary source document.

Why objectivity (95): The article remains impartial, focusing solely on verifying the authenticity of the claims without expressing any personal views or biases. It provides clear, concise information without editorializing.

Full FactIndependentCenterFactual 85Objective 909 days ago

Full Fact investigated claims that Andy Burnham 'has no legal right to be Prime Minister' due to not being elected in a general election. The organization determined that while by modern convention the Prime Minister is typically an MP, there is no law requiring them to have been elected in a general election. Social media posts incorrectly cited non-existent rules from 1705 and misstated historical precedents. The Cabinet Manual states that the Prime Minister is appointed based on commanding the confidence of the House of Commons, and while some past Prime Ministers were members of the House of Lords, current practice expects them to be MPs. The Institute for Government corroborates that Andy Burnham would have a constitutional mandate to become Prime Minister.

Bias read (Center): The article presents a factual correction to misinformation circulating online. It explains the legal framework surrounding the role of Prime Minister without taking a partisan stance. The tone remains neutral, focusing on clarifying misconceptions rather than promoting a specific political agenda.

Why factuality (85): The article correctly refutes the claim that Andy Burnham lacks a legal right to be Prime Minister. It clarifies that while by convention PMs are MPs, there is no law requiring them to have been elected in a general election. This aligns with the primary source document which discusses the constitut

Why objectivity (90): The article presents the information in a neutral manner, focusing on correcting misinformation without injecting personal opinion or bias. It remains objective throughout, providing factual clarification without emotional language.

Phys.orgIndependentCenteryesterday

A new study published in the International Journal of Enterprise Network Management reveals that individuals who consume information on social media play a significant role in the spread of misinformation, often more than previously recognized. Researchers combined evidence on trust and belief influences with machine learning analysis of user behavior to create a model that identifies patterns among users who repeatedly share false information. This model aims to enhance users' ability to detect and respond to misinformation and could inform improvements in social media policies, media literacy programs, and fact-checking initiatives. The research highlights a gap in current misinformation studies, which tend to focus on the origins of fake news rather than the decision-making processes of users who share it, particularly during emergencies when social media becomes a critical information source.

Bias read (Center): The article presents a balanced overview of the research findings without overtly favoring any political ideology. It focuses on the technical aspects of misinformation spread and potential solutions, emphasizing empirical research and practical applications rather than taking a partisan stance. The

Full FactIndependentCenter2 days ago

An art exhibit featuring an elderly woman lying on the floor surrounded by shopping items was falsely claimed online to depict Ann Widdecombe's dead body. The artwork, created in March 2026, was part of a series titled 'STILL LIFE' by artist Olivia Herring. The piece was displayed in an exhibition in Battersea organized by The Holy Art, which opened shortly after Widdecombe's death on 8 July 2026. The artist and the exhibition organizers denied any intent to portray Widdecombe, clarifying that the image was not a representation of any real person but rather a commentary on societal issues like apathy toward the elderly and consumerism. The confusion arose due to the video being shared online with misleading captions, highlighting concerns about misinformation on social media.

Bias read (Center): The article presents a balanced account of the controversy surrounding the art exhibit, quoting both the artist and the exhibition organizers denying any connection to Ann Widdecombe. There is no overt ideological slant, and the focus remains on factual clarification rather than advocacy for a left-

Full FactIndependentCenter3 days ago

On 23 July 2026, Full Fact reported that a video circulating on social media falsely claimed to show a recent US airstrike on Iran. The video, which had over 1,500 likes, was overlaid with text suggesting it depicted an explosion in Bushehr, Iran, following a US airstrike. However, the video actually shows explosions at a warehouse in Tianjin, China, from August 2015. This footage has previously been misattributed to Ukraine and Tel Aviv. Full Fact identified the video as false and warned about the spread of miscaptioned footage as a form of misinformation, particularly during major news events.

Bias read (Center): The article presents a factual correction without overtly endorsing or opposing any political stance. It focuses on debunking misinformation rather than taking a partisan position. The framing remains neutral, emphasizing the importance of verification over promoting a specific ideological viewpoint