The World Economic Forum (WEF) has ranked misinformation and disinformation as the most serious short-term risks the world will face, according to its 2024 Global Risks Report released on Wednesday.
Misinformation and disinformation It ranks higher than extreme weather, social polarization, cyber insecurity, armed conflict between states, lack of economic opportunity, and inflation, among others. Infographic shown in the report.
“It has emerged as the most serious global risk expected over the next two years, with domestic and international actors alike using misinformation and disinformation to further widen social and political divisions. Let’s go.” report Not.
Three billion people in countries including Bangladesh, India, Indonesia, Mexico, Pakistan, the UK and the US could face both of these risks when they head to the polls over the next two years, according to the report. Misinformation and disinformation can undermine the legitimacy of newly elected governments and lead to various forms of social unrest, including violent protests, hate crimes and terrorism, the report said. I'm warning you.
These are the biggest global risks we face after 2024 #Risk24 #wef24 @MarshMcLennan @Zurich https://t.co/CPAa7A5mzy
— World Economic Forum (@wef) January 10, 2024
Misinformation and disinformation is predicted to drop by four places over the next decade, following extreme weather events, significant changes to Earth systems, biodiversity loss and ecosystem collapse, and natural resource scarcity. This is further illustrated in the infographic.
The report is based on insights gathered from 1,490 experts from academia, business, government, international society and civil society between September 4 and October 9, 2023. ) was obtained as a result of WEF's analysis. Experts expect the next two years to be “unstable,” with 46% saying the next 10 years will be “disruptive.” (Related: World Economic Forum removes Vivek Ramaswamy's name from 'Young World Leaders' list following lawsuit)
2024 Global Risk Report @wef Misinformation and disinformation (based on the opinions of approximately 1,500 experts) ranks as the number one social risk for the next two years.https://t.co/uWPIvybqZJ pic.twitter.com/dSu0c1IouM
— Sander van der Linden (@Sander_vdLinden) January 11, 2024
The report defines global risk as “the likelihood of an event or condition occurring that, if it occurred, would adversely affect a significant portion of the world's GDP, population, or natural resources.”
“[A]“If the truth is undermined, the risks of domestic propaganda and censorship will also increase,” the report warned, while also showing a web of interconnected risks.
The report was released ahead of the WEF release. 2024 Annual Meeting The event will be held from January 15th to 19th in Davos, Switzerland, with the theme of “Rebuilding Trust.''
