Beyond Verification| Beyond Verification: Misinformation, Disinformation, and the Artifices of Authenticity—Introduction

Abstract

In this Special Section, we foreground authenticity as a determining factor in the diffusion of misinformation and disinformation and as a critical site of intervention for strategies to curb its spread. We argue for the necessity of moving past the binary of verification—true versus false, real versus fake—to understand how authenticity is fabricated, staged, experienced, and mobilized to spread misinformation and disinformation. In other words, we examine the artifices of authentication and their central role in the diffusion of misleading and polarizing content. The works collected in this Special Section offer valuable insights for researchers, practitioners, and policy makers to help us navigate the complexities of misinformation and disinformation. Through its multidisciplinary scope, this Special Section not only enhances our theoretical understanding but also guides practical efforts in media literacy, content moderation, digital policy, and public engagement.